Options for local casino players in Vietnam are set to triple after the government extended the scope of a pilot programme.
Through the formalisation of Resolution No. 307/2025/NQ-CP, the government has granted authorisation for local players to enter the Grand Ho Tram resort and the planned Van Don integrated resort as part of a five-year pilot programme.
The Corona Resort & Casino, which began Vietnam’s local-entry pilot in 2019 and was previously the only location on offer for locals, has been granted permanent local-player access – bringing to an end a six year pilot process that was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To ensure the financial viability of each local entrant, they are charged an entry fee of VND 2.5m (£71.72) for a 24-hour period or VND 50m (£1,434) for monthly access.
By expanding the programme, Vietnam is seeking to evaluate the economic benefits, regulatory performance and player protection measures associated with expanding local-player access, and the pilots will conclude following a comprehensive assessment by authorities.
Limitations for local entry are not unfamiliar in Asia
Like Vietnam, Korean nationals are limited to just one of the country’s 17 casinos, while casino entry fees are levied on locals in Singapore. Construction of Japan’s first integrated resort is underway at the MGM Osaka, and locals will be subject to restrictions such as entry fees and limits on the number of visits per week and month once it is open.
The decision to grant the Grand Ho Tram local access comes at a time when the resort is undergoing a $1bn expansion to transform it into one of the largest integrated resorts in Vietnam, featuring a five-star hotel complex, luxury villas and a range of entertainment facilities and a convention and exhibition centre.
The project broke ground in May, and at the time the casino’s CEO, Walter Power, expressed his desire to transform the resort into a regional destination for gaming in Southeast Asia.
“We firmly believe 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,” he told local media.
While Macau remains the most prominent destination for gaming in the region, regulatory challenges elsewhere may boost Vietnam’s hopes of attracting casino tourists.
For much of the year, Thailand had looked likely to enact casino regulation and build integrated resorts in key tourist hotspots. However, political turmoil brought to an end the reign of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and subsequently her casino bill.
As a result, countries like the Philippines, Vietnam and even Sri Lanka, will now have the chance to swoop in and secure the tourism dollars that would have engaged in the Thai market.
