Pacific Pearl Casino Aims for Late-2026 Debut
The casino will be Papua New Guinea's first casino in almost two decades
Pacific Pearl casino in Port Moresby is moving toward a late-2026 debut, with Fortuna Investments saying the project is in its final preparation stage and still awaiting remaining regulatory and licensing approvals.
The first phase is expected to launch with about 100 gaming machines and 20 tables in the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone, near the city center.
Fortuna director Tim Nguyen said in to Asia Gaming Brief, “On licensing, the process is progressing and we are working closely with our local partners and the relevant authorities.”
He also said, “Our target is to open later this year, subject of course to completion of the remaining regulatory approvals.”
The site is positioned as Papua New Guinea’s first casino in years and will include VIP areas and a restaurant. The agreement, signed in 2021, was met with backlash from activists claiming that the country does not have the infrastructure to manage problem gambling.
Phased Rollout, Regional Bet
The opening comes as Papua New Guinea pushed more international-facing investment into Port Moresby, including hotel and infrastructure projects that have strengthened the capital’s hospitality footprint.
Prime Minister James Marape has previously said the casino was meant to draw foreign visitors, keep gaming spend in the country and support jobs and tax receipts.
Fortuna says Pacific Pearl is only the first step, with later expansion contingent on early market performance.
The company, which also operates in Nepal, Vietnam and other Asia-Pacific markets, says it intends to train local staff and apply international compliance standards.
