Macau’s David Group announces new casino resort in Fiji

Lea Hogg April 15, 2024

SiGMA news

Macau’s David Group announces new casino resort in Fiji

Sandeep Singh, the project head of the David Group Fiji casino, recently unveiled plans for a FJ$2 billion (AU$1.3B) development. This ambitious project includes a casino and a grand hotel, among other features. The development is planned in two phases, each costing $1 billion. The first phase will see the construction of a stand-alone casino and a 1000-room luxury integrated 7-star hotel. This hotel will be equipped with restaurants, conference rooms, a business centre, a shopping mall, a marina, and the necessary infrastructure to support this multifaceted development. The second phase of the project will introduce a Disney-style amusement park, an indoor rugby stadium, an entertainment complex, and a luxury subdivision. Denarau Island in Fiji has been suggested as a potential location for this massive development. The David Group, based in Macau, aligns its vision with Fiji’s goal of private sector-led economic growth, which includes increasing exports in the services industry. This project also aims to expand the capacity and scope of Fiji’s tourism industry.

Expanding Fiji’s casino frontier

Unlike its neighbours Vanuatu and Samoa, which already have casino resorts, Fiji is yet to explore this avenue. Singh believes that a casino could boost Fiji’s tourism industry and attract more visitors, particularly from China. The casino could potentially be located in Southern Denarau or Wailoaloa in Nadi. However, the final decision is pending as land cannot be purchased without a license. If approved, the project development is set to commence in 2026.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the government still has a long way to go before issuing any casino permits. A clear set of rules for granting gambling licenses is required before any progress can be made. Interestingly, while the project aims to benefit the communities, local residents will not be permitted to enter the casino. Singh explained that this measure is to prevent the local community from being exposed to gambling. This decision aligns with the ethos of the Government and stakeholders such as the Methodist Church of Fiji. In other news, travel from Australia to the island nation is booming. According to Tourism Fiji, Australian visitor arrivals have exceeded pre-pandemic levels for 14 consecutive months, up to October 2023.

The latest news about the David Group Fiji casino project is as follows: The David Group, a junket operator and investment firm based in Macau, has announced plans to invest FJ$2 billion (approximately US$900 million) in a casino and hotel resort development project in Fiji1. The project, led by businessman Sandeep Singh, is working with the Fiji government. The initial blueprint calls for a two-phased construction plan. The first phase includes an investment of $450 million to build a standalone casino and a 1000-room luxury hotel. A second phase of roughly a similar investment would bring an amusement park, entertainment venue, and luxury residential subdivision to the destination.

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is reportedly receptive to the country issuing its first commercial resort casino license. But he says the concession will not be approved until many more details are solidified. Singh says his David Group is willing to wait until the government gets its house in order. He says regulatory conditions must first be disclosed before his firm might acquire property to build the resort. Singh hinted that the casino could be built in Southern Denarau or in Nadi’s Wailoaloa Beach. The project is expected to launch sometime in the year 2026, pending approval from concerned authorities.