In a draft decree on casino operations currently under public consultation, the Ministry of Finance proposes a pilot program allowing Vietnamese citizens to enter casinos that meet specific regulations. Under the proposal, Vietnamese citizens would have to purchase entry tickets costing 2.5 million VND per day or 50 million VND per month. These fees are two to 2.5 times higher than the current rates.
Vietnamese citizens must be at least 21 years old and possess full civil act capacity. They are permitted to exchange VND for casino chips and convert unused chips back to VND upon leaving. Players are legally responsible for the documentation they provide to the casino for entry.
Casinos participating in the pilot program are required to inspect, review, and retain player records and data for at least five years. They must also separately account for revenue from entry fees, declare the number of Vietnamese players, and deposit the proceeds from ticket sales into a State Treasury account.
According to the Ministry of Finance, existing regulations have generally been effective in managing and controlling Vietnamese casino access. However, regulations regarding players' financial status have encountered procedural obstacles. Players are required to submit various documents, creating difficulties for both themselves and the casino in verifying the accuracy of the records.
"Many eligible individuals wish to visit casinos while traveling but cannot meet the documentation requirements, which necessitate thorough preparation before entry," the Ministry of Finance stated. This restricts many legitimate players, while procedures for playing abroad are simpler.
Therefore, the ministry suggests increasing entry fees to assess players' financial capacity, streamline procedures, align with international trends, and adapt to current conditions.
Currently, there are 9 operating casino projects nationwide (six small-scale and three large-scale). The first casino known to allow Vietnamese players is Corona Phu Quoc, invested by Phu Quoc Tourism Investment and Development JSC. This casino is part of a larger project with a total investment of over 50,000 billion VND, featuring 1,470 gaming machines and 147 gaming tables.
The Phu Quoc Casino (Kien Giang) pilot program allowing Vietnamese players is set to run until the end of 2024. Last month, the Government Office issued a document conveying Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long's directive, requesting the Ministry of Finance to review and address policy proposals for Phu Quoc's special economic zone development, including regulations for Vietnamese casino access after the pilot period.
Casino operation is a conditional business sector. In the draft decree, the Ministry of Finance also outlines conditions for issuing investment registration certificates for casino projects. Specifically, projects must include integrated tourism, entertainment, and service complexes with a minimum investment of 2 billion USD.
Casino operators must implement 24/7 camera surveillance systems covering all operational areas, including entrances, gaming floors, safes, exchange counters, and cash control areas. Video data must be stored for at least 180 days and made available to authorities upon request.
Furthermore, all players (both Vietnamese and foreign) must be issued personal identification electronic cards containing information about validity, access rights, and basic personal data. These cards will be used to control access, track player visits, and ensure operational transparency.
Phuong Dung
