The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) would like to see pilot permission given to citizens of Vietnam to enjoy casino games at a gaming facility located in Phu Quoc. The MPI has asked the Government to give the appropriate permissions to allow locals to take part in wagering on the largest island in the Kien Giang province.

According to the Hanoi Times, within the proposal, the MPI would like to see locals of Phu Quoc able to take part in casino gambling at the Bai Dai Integrated Resort Project. If approved, the pilot plan will be in place for three years from the date the casino is provided licensing to accept players of Vietnam. Based on the language within the Law on Investment, a casino is considered a conditional business and must be approved by the prime minister.

The move to allow locals to take part in gaming is one that is expected to help with the development of the local economy as well as tourism development, particularly in the Phu Quoc region. The decision will also help to refine the institutional and legal framework of the casino industry in the region.

Government Decree No. 03 took effect last January, setting up a legal framework for casino businesses. This decree was seen as an effort by the government to legalize casinos in a step-by-step manner, granting permission for locals to take part via a three-year pilot program. In the past, only those who had a foreign passport were allowed to gamble within the electronic gaming parlors and casinos of the country.

With Decree No. 03, Vietnamese citizens that are at least 21 years of age with a regular income of VND10 million per month (equal to US$441) will be allowed to access casinos based in the region. An entrance ticket must be purchased, of VND1 million (US$44) every 24 hours. A pass can also be purchased per month at VND25 million (US$1,100). Proceeds from the entrance ticket fees will go towards the provincial budget within the region where the casino is located.