Pacific Pearl is preparing to open in Papua New Guinea before the end of 2026 as developers seek the remaining regulatory approvals for the country’s first casino under its current legal framework.
The property is entering the final stages of preparation within the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone in Port Moresby.
Its initial gaming offer will comprise approximately 100 machines and 20 tables, supported by VIP rooms and a restaurant. The product mix could be adjusted after opening in response to customer demand.
Fortuna Investments is a co-investor in Pacific Pearl and will manage the casino. Its responsibilities include preparing the property, installing gaming equipment, recruiting and training employees, implementing operating systems and overseeing marketing and compliance.
The company has started recruiting staff but has not received all the regulatory and licensing approvals required to begin operations.
“Our target is to open later this year, subject of course to completion of the remaining regulatory approvals,” Fortuna director Tim Nguyen said.
Papua New Guinea established a formal framework for casino gaming through the Gaming Control Act 2007. Pacific Pearl could become the first property to begin operating under that framework almost two decades after the legislation was introduced.
The government has presented the casino as a trial project intended to attract international visitors, retain gambling expenditure within Papua New Guinea and generate employment and tax revenue.
Prime Minister James Marape previously said the property would principally target tourists, expatriates and higher-income residents.
Port Moresby has sizeable Chinese, Australian and New Zealand expatriate communities, including employees working in the country’s resources sector. Casino management also expects demand from local customers already familiar with gaming machines and racing products.
Access for Papua New Guinean residents is expected to be controlled through identification, membership and income requirements.
Fortuna intends to use the initial property to establish its operations and assess the commercial potential of the market.
A larger second phase is being considered if Pacific Pearl performs successfully, although the proposed investment, scale and development timetable have not been disclosed.
Nguyen said the company intended to create local employment and introduce international operating, customer-service, responsible gambling and compliance standards. The opening date will depend on Pacific Pearl completing inspections and securing final approval
