In order to get that much needed economic trajectory, to leap frog, as opposed to simply plodding along, we must develop and think of new ways of providing economic growth with the objectives and alleviating poverty, having a strong economic base, improving the living standards of our people, helping our local businesses and to spread our economic risk.

Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said this will also mean that we must think of new ways of inter alia attracting investment and creating jobs.

He adds that it was within this context that on Thursday(17/9) he mentioned at the Consultative Forum the need to explore seriously the possibility of introducing casinos in Fiji.

“It should be stated from the onset that gambling is legalised in Fiji. We have had betting on horses and sports(including rugby and soccer) for years now. People also gamble through lotteries, bingos and other games that are allowed under the existing Gaming Act. Casino is another form of gambling,” he said.

“The talk of the introduction of casinos has always been treated as taboo subject. This has been the case because the topic has not been discussed objectively. Rather it has been discussed with a lot of emotion and religious fervor by some. Some civil society groups assume that casinos automatically will bring about social ill for the ordinary citizens of the country.

Commodore Bainimarama said some of these concerns as seen in some countries where controls have not been put in place, problems have arisen. However he adds, at the same time there are other countries which have put in place workable controls that have prevented any possible negative fallout for the locals, in particular those on the lower end of the socio-economic scale.

“ One such example is Malaysia which has a casino in Genting Highlands. One similar operation based on having regard of our local specificities, controls and our objectives can be set up in Fiji,” he said.

“ Such an operation can have a multitude of positive results. It can become a revenue source for government thereby assisting government to use the additional revenue specifically for infrastructure projects, including roads, housing, education and improvement in medical facilities.

Commodore Bainimarama said it can also attract more tourist to Fiji and will also mean that our tourist base and arrival sources can be augmented.

“ Consequently to this, it can reduce our current exposure to heavily relying on our couple of countries and one or two major segments within the tourism market. (Australia, New Zealand and using only sand, sun; mums and dad and children, and honeymooners and slowly growing conventions and conferences),” he said.

“ More tourist will mean increase in our foreign reserves. It will have a positive impact on job creation. It will also create demand for local produce, local services such as taxis and local handicraft and assist local business which provide ancillary to the tourism market.

Commodore Bainimarama has directed his office to explore the idea further.

In order to get that much needed economic trajectory, to leap frog, as opposed to simply plodding along, we must develop and think of new ways of providing economic growth with the objectives and alleviating poverty, having a strong economic base, improving the living standards of our people, helping our local businesses and to spread our economic risk.

Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said this will also mean that we must think of new ways of inter alia attracting investment and creating jobs.

He adds that it was within this context that on Thursday(17/9) he mentioned at the Consultative Forum the need to explore seriously the possibility of introducing casinos in Fiji.

“It should be stated from the onset that gambling is legalised in Fiji. We have had betting on horses and sports(including rugby and soccer) for years now. People also gamble through lotteries, bingos and other games that are allowed under the existing Gaming Act. Casino is another form of gambling,” he said.

“The talk of the introduction of casinos has always been treated as taboo subject. This has been the case because the topic has not been discussed objectively. Rather it has been discussed with a lot of emotion and religious fervor by some. Some civil society groups assume that casinos automatically will bring about social ill for the ordinary citizens of the country.

Commodore Bainimarama said some of these concerns as seen in some countries where controls have not been put in place, problems have arisen. However he adds, at the same time there are other countries which have put in place workable controls that have prevented any possible negative fallout for the locals, in particular those on the lower end of the socio-economic scale.

“ One such example is Malaysia which has a casino in Genting Highlands. One similar operation based on having regard of our local specificities, controls and our objectives can be set up in Fiji,” he said.

“ Such an operation can have a multitude of positive results. It can become a revenue source for government thereby assisting government to use the additional revenue specifically for infrastructure projects, including roads, housing, education and improvement in medical facilities.

Commodore Bainimarama said it can also attract more tourist to Fiji and will also mean that our tourist base and arrival sources can be augmented.

“ Consequently to this, it can reduce our current exposure to heavily relying on our couple of countries and one or two major segments within the tourism market. (Australia, New Zealand and using only sand, sun; mums and dad and children, and honeymooners and slowly growing conventions and conferences),” he said.

“ More tourist will mean increase in our foreign reserves. It will have a positive impact on job creation. It will also create demand for local produce, local services such as taxis and local handicraft and assist local business which provide ancillary to the tourism market.

Commodore Bainimarama has directed his office to explore the idea further.