File photo for reference only

 

Vietnam is set to embark on an ambitious luxury tourism and services project in Quang Ninh province, valued at $2.16 billion (70.51 billion baht). The Ministry of Finance has proposed this investment policy for a high-end complex featuring a casino in Van Yen commune, Van Don district, pending approval from the Vietnamese Prime Minister.

 

Spanning approximately 244 hectares, the Van Don casino project is aimed at establishing a world-class resort and entertainment destination. Targeted to host international events, it seeks to elevate Vietnam’s standing on the global tourism stage. The project's framework allows for a maximum operational period of 70 years, with construction slated to not exceed nine years from land allocation.

 

In a significant policy move, the Ministry of Finance has suggested a pilot scheme inviting Vietnamese citizens to participate in casino gaming, adhering to strict legal guidelines. This development marks a potential shift in the country's gaming regulations, typically reserved for foreigners.

 

To ensure rigorous selection, the Quang Ninh provincial People's Committee is tasked with identifying suitable investors under established investment, land use, and bidding laws. Part of a broader administrative strategy, Van Don has been recently classified among 13 special administrative units in Vietnam.

 

The investment capital for the Van Don project totals VND51.5 trillion (around $2.16 billion). Of this, VND7.7 trillion will come from investor equity, with the remainder financed via bank loans. The project unfolds in three phases, with initial investment in the first phase (2023–27) of VND25.1 trillion (31.47 billion baht), followed by subsequent investments in the second (2027–31) and third phases (2031–32).

 

Local authorities highlight the project's expected impact on the Van Don special administrative zone, projecting it as a significant economic catalyst. It promises to enhance competitiveness, attract investment, create jobs, and increase state revenues. Over its lifespan, the complex is projected to contribute approximately VND228.9 trillion (287.03 billion baht) to the state budget, incorporating substantial corporate income and value-added taxes.

 

This large-scale development not only represents a forward leap in Vietnam's tourism and entertainment sector but also underscores the country’s vision to become a premier global destination.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-05-31

 

 

Another Trump casino?

In the 1990s, the Do Son Casino in Hai Phong, Vietnam, was established as the country's first legal casino, primarily targeting foreign visitors, including Chinese nationals. Located in the Do Son district, this casino operated under strict regulations that prohibited Vietnamese citizens from participating in gambling activities.

 

The casino faced challenges in profitability, partly due to China's policies limiting its citizens from traveling abroad

 

I visited a couple of times.  

 

I remember walking in to a fully staffed casino with dealers and staff ready for customers.

It was dead quiet and I was the only one there.  

 

Spooky

 

 

Times have changed.

 

Huge new casino opening on Beach Road Da Nang, Chinese owned, I would think there would be a large influx of Chinese tourists.

Where is Quảng Ninh? Never heard of it and I'm sure there's is no airport or train nearby. 

As Vietnamese are banned from gambling, it would be for tourists and expats. 

It doesn't make business sense to me, so maybe it's a method to clean dirty money!