Vietnam may ease citizen entry rules under new casino laws
Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance is preparing to conduct an impact assessment on proposed changes to the country’s casino regulations, as policymakers consider easing entry rules for local players while keeping tight regulatory control.
The review follows recent moves that have gradually expanded domestic access to casinos. These include the decision to grant permanent entry rights to Vietnamese nationals at Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc, as well as the launch of a five-year trial allowing locals to gamble at The Grand Ho Tram.
At the heart of the assessment is a plan to replace Decree 03/2017, which currently governs casino operations in the country. While the draft regulation would retain key safeguards, including a minimum age of 21, full legal capacity, and an entry fee, authorities are proposing to revise how a player’s financial eligibility is assessed.
Current system under scrutiny
Under existing rules, Vietnamese citizens must submit multiple documents to demonstrate sufficient income before being allowed to enter a casino. Both operators and regulators have acknowledged that the process is cumbersome, often resulting in delays and reduced participation.
The Ministry’s review notes that the current framework places an unnecessary administrative burden on both businesses and customers, without necessarily improving oversight. As an alternative, officials are considering whether a higher casino entry fee could replace detailed income verification requirements. Regulators argue that this approach could simplify access while still ensuring that casino gambling remains limited to individuals with adequate financial means.
Policy shift amid sector recovery
The proposed reforms come as Vietnam’s gaming industry continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2017 and 2022, the country’s nine smaller casinos and three integrated resorts, Corona, Ho Tram, and Hoiana, generated a combined $950 million in revenue, contributing roughly $490 million to the state budget.
Much of that period coincided with border closures, travel restrictions, and delayed resort developments, limiting the sector’s potential growth. Recent policy decisions suggest a shift in official thinking.
In November, the government confirmed that Corona Resort & Casino would retain permanent permission to admit Vietnamese nationals, moving away from the pilot-only framework introduced in 2017. The Grand Ho Tram has since been included in a separate five-year trial, allowing authorities to assess economic returns, social impact, and regulatory effectiveness.
Wider gambling reforms considered
Beyond casinos, broader gambling regulations are also under discussion. The Ministry of Finance has proposed raising daily betting limits for legal international sports wagering from VND1 million to VND10 million (€380).
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has argued that even this revised cap may be too low, warning that overly strict limits could push players towards illegal offshore operators. Industry groups have also called for more flexible advertising rules, including limited digital promotion under strict age verification and responsible gambling controls. Current proposals restrict most promotional activity to physical venues and official websites.
Officials say the reforms aim to strike a balance between expanding legal gambling options, encouraging investment, and protecting vulnerable players. The Ministry has not yet announced when the revised decree will be finalised, but its adoption would mark a significant step in reshaping Vietnam’s gambling framework.
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