Fiji has granted its first casino licence to One Hundred Sands, paving the way for a $290m five-star casino resort on Denarau Island.

Fiji Prime Minister Bainimarama Fiji Prime Minister Bainimarama

“Casino development will propel Fiji’s tourism sector to another level, not only through increased travelers, but also through the demand for Fijians in the hospitality workplace,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said. “With the investments government intends to make in providing vocational training to Fijians even out on rural islands, the concurrent developments of casinos and accommodations will introduce Fiji’s tourism sector into a niche market which thus far has only been accessible to developed economies.”

The country does not wish to “imitate Las Vegas,” he said.

The first phase of development, which is due to break ground in March, will see 190 rooms and suites, three restaurants and a sports grille. There will be 500 slot machines and 54 table games in the casino, while a 1,500-seat convention centre will provide space to accommodate a variety of events.

Bainimarama said that One Hundred Sands had been chosen not only because of its operational knowledge of casino management, but also its strong affiliation with Native American culture.

“This affiliation provides a malleable fusion between the Western ideals of casino gaming with the strong cultural virtues of tribal and community life,” he said.

To that end, the government required at least 20 per cent of ownership in One Hundred Sands be reserved for Native American interests that are currently involved in casino gaming.

"This undertaking is a union of both economic and cultural endeavours," said Larry Claunch, chairman of the board of One Hundred Sands. "One Hundred Sands has taken care to strategically partner with the Snoqualmie Tribe from Washington state and Seventh Generation, a Native American company with demonstrated excellence establishing new casinos and affiliate entities around the world while maintaining the integrity of the environment and supplementing - not supplanting - the existing economy."

The new gaming licence is expected to create 800 new jobs.