Casino Access for Vietnamese Locals Could Return Soon

Vietnam might soon welcome a major shift in its gambling policy—one that could reshape the country’s entire casino industry. After a pause in local access following the expiration of a pilot program, the Ministry of Finance is now pushing for a return—this time with simpler rules and clearer terms for local players.

Good to know

• Locals could re-enter casinos by paying a daily or monthly fee.
• Wealth test may be scrapped to make access easier.
• Draft policy has already been approved in principle by Vietnam’s politburo.

Huge Step Forward for Vietnamese Gambling

This is a big deal for Vietnam’s gambling market. If passed, the new proposal would mark the first broad-based move toward allowing locals to legally enter and gamble at licensed casinos nationwide—something that hasn’t been possible since the end of the Phu Quoc trial at the start of 2024.

In this draft plan, Vietnamese citizens would no longer have to prove a minimum monthly income. Instead, they’d simply pay an access fee: either VND2.5 million (around US$100) for a 24-hour pass or VND50 million (about US$2,000) for full-month access. These fixed-fee options would replace the earlier requirement to show proof of income, which officials have found difficult to verify and enforce.

A recent draft decree, now open for public feedback, outlines the framework. News outlet VnExpress quoted the document:

“Many cannot provide the required documents as they must be thoroughly prepared in advance.”

Background: The Phu Quoc Pilot

The only legal casino access for Vietnamese locals until now came through a limited trial run at Corona Resort & Casino on Phu Quoc Island. That program, launched under strict conditions, required proof of a monthly income of at least VND10 million and a smaller entry fee.

However, the program was quietly discontinued on January 1. Since then, Vietnamese nationals have once again been legally locked out of all casino venues in the country.

But change appears to be coming. Reports say the national government, including the powerful politburo, has already given the green light in principle and asked the Ministry of Finance to move forward with finalizing legal details.

Who Would Be Eligible?

Under the updated draft rules, locals would need to meet a few conditions to gain entry:

1. Be at least 21 years old and legally competent under Vietnamese law
2. Not be listed on any exclusion requests filed by themselves or close family
3. Use only Vietnamese dong for buying chips and converting winnings
4. Pay either the daily or monthly entry fee
5. No income documentation would be required.

High Bar for New Casinos

The draft also mentions rules for future casino projects. Developers must commit to at least US$2 billion in investment to qualify for a casino license in Vietnam. That high threshold is expected to ensure only serious operators get access to the market.

As recently as last month, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long reportedly directed the Ministry of Finance to consider reopening casinos in Phu Quoc, located in An Giang province, specifically for locals. This fresh push shows clear momentum behind reopening access more widely.

If adopted, the proposed framework would not only simplify the process for local players but could also boost domestic tourism and bring a new revenue stream into the national economy.

The post Casino Access for Vietnamese Locals Could Return Soon appeared first on iGaming.org.