Vietnam reopens foreign-only casinos for locals in pilot project
Vietnam is considering two casino resorts to welcome local players under a new pilot scheme. The move comes alongside proposals from the Ministry of Finance to tighten regulations, increase entry fees, and modernise oversight of the country’s casino sector.
According to local media outlet Lao Dong, a draft resolution indicates that Vietnamese citizens who meet financial requirements will be allowed to gamble at The Grand Ho Tram resort in Ba Ria-Vung Tau and at a new development in Van Don, Quang Ninh province. Both will operate on a five-year trial basis.
The Grand Ho Tram is currently a foreign-only resort located southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. In contrast, Van Don is home to a $2 billion integrated resort being developed by Sun Group, which is due to open fully by 2032. Sun Group has previously hinted that its property could be considered for local access, but this is the first time such a plan has been formally linked to government proposals.
Second pilot scheme in five years
The development would mark only the second time Vietnamese citizens have been permitted to gamble domestically. A previous pilot scheme, launched in 2019 at Phu Quoc’s Corona Resort & Casino, allowed qualified locals to play but expired in January this year without renewal.
Prior to this, the country had also considered introducing a new financial screening system for Vietnamese gamblers. Currently, locals are permitted to play if they are over 21 years of age and earn a minimum monthly income of VND 10 million (€360). In practice, however, proving this through documentation has proved difficult.
Officials note that many potential customers have been discouraged by the paperwork required, which must be prepared in advance. By contrast, Vietnamese gamblers travelling abroad face no such obstacles. Authorities believe the higher cost would act as a substitute for income checks, ensuring that only economically qualified individuals are allowed to play.
Tighter regulation and oversight
The proposal also includes a series of operational and compliance requirements. For instance, licenced casinos, currently numbering nine across Vietnam, would need to store customer data for a minimum of five years.
Only large-scale integrated resorts would be eligible to admit locals, with each development required to have a minimum investment of €1.85 billion ($2 billion). Facilities would also be mandated to install 24/7 surveillance in key areas such as gaming floors, cash counters, and entry points. Footage would need to be stored for 180 days and made available to authorities upon request.
In addition, all gamblers, be it local or foreigner, would be required to carry electronic ID cards linked to their personal details and gambling history. Officials argue this will help ensure transparency, prevent fraud, and strengthen oversight.
Major reforms looming in Vietnam
The proposed reforms are particularly important for Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s flagship special economic zone and home to the Corona Resort & Casino. While the earlier pilot there lapsed, its experience is likely to serve as a model for how future schemes could be implemented nationwide.
For now, the Ministry of Finance’s proposals remain at the draft stage, and no launch date for the pilot has been announced. But with growing investment in integrated resorts and increasing demand from Vietnamese players, the country appears to be opening its casino industry to locals under a regulated framework.
