Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Vietnam Permits Locals to Gamble in Select Casinos

Featured Replies

A-slot-machine-1024x683-176421-9168-1174-1764215137.webp

Photo courtesy of VN Express

 

Vietnam has legalized gambling for citizens aged 21 and older with a monthly income of at least VND10 million (US$379) at three designated casinos. The new government decree, effective Wednesday, grants permanent approval for locals to play at Casino Phu Quoc. This decision marks a significant shift in Vietnam's approach to gambling regulations.

 

Previously, the Casino Phu Quoc had admitted Vietnamese gamblers under a pilot program initiated in 2016. Operated by a subsidiary of Vingroup, the casino houses 1,470 slot machines and 147 gaming tables. The recent decree extends the opportunity for local participation to two additional locations: Ho Tram Casino in Ho Chi Minh City and Van Don Casino in Quang Ninh Province, near the China border, as part of a new five-year trial.

 

Despite the change, Vietnam continues to enforce stringent controls on gambling activities. There are a total of nine casinos in the country, but the remaining six are accessible only to foreign nationals. This measure reflects the government's cautious approach to expanding legal gambling while managing associated risks.

 

Experts suggest the move could increase tourism and local economic activity, especially in regions hosting these casinos. However, it may also raise concerns over potential social issues related to gambling addiction and financial burden on frequent gamblers. The government will likely monitor these impacts closely as the trial progresses.

 

Looking forward, the five-year trial at Ho Tram and Van Don will serve as a critical evaluation period. Success may lead to further liberalization of gambling laws in Vietnam, potentially allowing more locals to participate in the future. Authorities will assess the socio-economic effects and compliance with the new regulations during this period, reported VN Express.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Vietnam legalizes gambling for locals at three casinos.
  • A five-year trial extends to Ho Tram and Van Don casinos.
  • Strict controls remain on other casinos for foreigners only.

 

Related stories:

Anutin Tells Xi: Thailand to Stay Casino -Free for Safer Tourism

Thailand Rules Out Casino Legalisation

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-11-28

 

 

image.png

 

image.png

Kinda cool seeing Vietnam open things up like that. I got curious about stuff like this after trying out some Slot Games and seeing how different places set their own rules. Had a trip where a small casino visit turned into this random hour of just chatting with locals over tiny bets

Create an account or sign in to comment

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.