Vietnamese developer Sun Group has announced that its highly anticipated casino and resort project in Van Don, Quang Ninh Province, will be fully operational by 2032. Estimated at over US$2 billion in investment, the Van Don Integrated Casino & Tourism Complex represents one of the largest hospitality ventures in the country’s northern region.

The project, situated within the Van Don Economic Zone, will span approximately 245 hectares, most of which is forest land, with one side opening to the sea. Developed through Sun Group’s subsidiary Van Don JSC, the project has already been granted approval in principle by Vietnam’s Prime Minister and local authorities, according to VnExpress.

Gaming and Entertainment at the Core

According to project details submitted for environmental assessment, the resort’s casino will house 214 gaming tables and 2,140 slot machines. Uniquely, the venue will permit Vietnamese citizens to participate in gambling activities under a tightly managed regulatory framework. This marks a significant expansion of the government’s pilot program, allowing locals to gamble, previously tested at Phu Quoc’s Corona Resort & Casino.

The development will unfold in three phases, with investments divided as follows: the first stage requiring VND25.1 trillion (roughly around 964 million U.S. dollars), the second VND22.1 trillion (US$849 million), and the final phase VND4.3 trillion (US$165 million). Completion of all stages is scheduled for the second quarter of 2032.

Sun Group has emphasized that the Van Don complex is not solely a gambling destination. Plans include luxury hotels and resorts rising up to 30 stories, modern office buildings, a museum, art venues, and entertainment facilities designed for international-scale performances and cultural showcases. The company describes the project as a blend of “leisure, hospitality, and cultural experiences” aimed at both foreign visitors and Vietnam’s expanding middle class.

Long-Term Economic Impact

The Van Don resort has been licensed for a period of up to 70 years, during which Quang Ninh Province projects it will generate more than VND228 trillion (US$9.6 billion) in revenue contributions. In addition, it is expected to create around 6,000 new jobs, providing a major boost to the local economy.

The investment will be financed through a combination of investor equity, loans, and mobilized capital. The project’s backers have insisted that environmental regulations will be strictly followed, given the sensitive nature of the mostly forested site.

A Long-Awaited Development

Although officially approved this year, the concept of a casino-resort in Van Don dates back to 2017, when the government first introduced a pilot scheme enabling Vietnamese nationals to gamble in select casinos. Sun Group was linked to the project at the time, but it did not move forward until recently.

Now firmly underway, the Van Don Integrated Casino & Tourism Complex is set to become one of Vietnam’s most ambitious integrated resorts. As Sun Group positions the development as both a gaming hub and a cultural and entertainment destination, the complex is expected to attract not only international tourists but also affluent Vietnamese seeking high-end leisure experiences.