Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance is pushing forward a new draft resolution that could reshape the country’s casino industry. The proposal calls for a five-year pilot program that would allow qualified Vietnamese citizens to gamble at two major casino resorts: The Grand Ho Tram in Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province and the planned Van Don Integrated Resort in Quang Ninh.

This move comes after the initial pilot program at Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc concluded on January 1, 2025. Authorities now face the decision of whether to extend local access to casinos or revert to a foreigner-only model.

A New Phase for Vietnam’s Casino Policy

The draft resolution suggests ending the experimental status of Phu Quoc’s casino, effectively granting permanent access to Vietnamese players who meet eligibility criteria. At the same time, it proposes piloting similar permissions at Ho Tram and Van Don once both are operational.

According to The Saigon Times, the draft resolution states that Vietnamese people who meet the requirements will be allowed to play in casinos in Van Don and Ho Tram on a pilot basis for a period of five years from the date of operation.

While the government has not disclosed an exact start date for the new trial, the Ministry of Finance emphasized that it would provide a clearer legal framework for both operators and regulators. The policy would also align with higher-level directives and allow ministries to monitor the participation of Vietnamese gamblers more effectively.

Ho Tram: The Immediate Candidate

Among the two locations, Ho Tram is positioned to benefit first. Open since 2013, the resort currently operates a foreigner-only casino but is awaiting approval to admit locals. Backed by Lodgis Hospitality Holdings—a partnership between Warburg Pincus and VinaCapital—the property recently launched a US$1 billion expansion project, which will add luxury hotels, villas, entertainment spaces, and a large convention center.

At the groundbreaking ceremony earlier this year, The Grand Ho Tram CEO Walt Power noted, “We firmly believe that Ho Tram will not only be Vietnam’s leading integrated resort destination but will also be able to compete with top regional destinations such as Singapore, Manila, and Macau, particularly as we work closely with authorities at all levels to explore new growth drivers.”

Currently, the casino’s business depends largely on foreign tourists and expatriates. Allowing Vietnamese patrons could significantly broaden its customer base, especially with new infrastructure projects underway, including expressways linking Ho Chi Minh City and Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Tram.

Van Don: A Long-Term Project

The second property, Van Don Integrated Casino & Tourism Complex, is being developed by Sun Group with an investment of over US$2 billion. Situated in the Van Don Economic Zone, the resort is expected to open by 2032, making it a longer-term element of the pilot program.

Plans for Van Don include 214 gaming tables and 2,140 slot machines, alongside five-star hotels, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions. Sun Group has underscored that the project will not be solely about gaming but also about delivering a mix of leisure, hospitality, and cultural experiences.

The resort is projected to generate more than VND228 trillion (US$9.6 billion) in provincial revenue over its 70-year license period and create around 6,000 jobs.

Shifts in Regulations and Market Impact

The Ministry of Finance’s proposal follows mixed results from the initial pilot at Phu Quoc. Launched in 2019, the program was disrupted by the pandemic and limited by the island’s relatively small domestic market. To refine the approach, officials have considered new entry requirements, such as replacing proof-of-income checks with an entry fee of VND2.5 million (about US$100) per day or VND50 million (about US$2,000) per month.

Industry observers believe that the combination of Ho Tram’s immediate readiness and Van Don’s long-term scale could help Vietnam gradually test and expand its casino policy in a controlled manner. While Ho Tram can provide insights in the short term, Van Don is expected to transform northern Vietnam’s tourism economy once completed.