Vietnam’s first casino for locals opens on three-year trial basis

1 min readUpdated May 27, 2025Jan 23, 20198:19 AM

In this article (5)

The first casino in Vietnam that allows locals to gamble has opened in Phu Quoc Island off the country’s southern coast. The Corona Resort and Casino is part of an ecotourism and amusement complex built by Phu Quoc Tourism Investment and Development JSC at a cost of VND50 trillion ($2.15 billion). The casino will remain open 24 hours a day during a three-year pilot, and Vietnamese who want to gamble must be over 21, earn a minimum of VND10 million ($430) a month and have no criminal record or objections from family.

The entry fee is VND1 million ($43) for 24 hours or VND25 million ($1,000) a month (with a maximum play time of 720 hours). Three months ago the government approved the three-year trial period allowing Vietnamese to enter the casino.

Vietnam, which treats gambling as a “social evil”, has hitherto prohibited locals from gambling in the seven casinos around the country. Only foreign passport holders can enter them.

Vietnam’s per capita income was around $2,500 last year.

One of Vietnam’s biggest real estate developers Sungroup is currently building another casino in Van Don in northern Quang Ninh Province, home of popular Ha Long Bay.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is one of the top holiday destinations in the country.

AdvertisementAdvertise with usMobile 320×100

What this means

The opening of Corona Resort and Casino to locals is a calculated and potentially transformative move for Vietnam's hospitality sector. By targeting affluent Vietnamese through a high entry fee and income threshold, the government aims to capture domestic leisure spending previously restricted. While the three-year trial mitigates immediate risk, the model faces pressure from existing casinos catering solely to foreigners, and future competition from Sungroup's Van Don project. This contrasts sharply with Panpuri’s 16-store Asian expansion or Tiffany & Co.’s Singapore cafe, which target broader consumer bases with established retail concepts. Success for Corona Resort could pave the way for similar ventures, but failure might see a swift reversal of this policy. Watch the monthly entry fee revenue figures.

Maria Santos · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What are the key financial requirements for Vietnamese citizens to enter this new casino?

Vietnamese citizens wishing to gamble must earn at least VND10 million ($430) monthly. They also need to pay an entry fee of VND1 million ($43) for 24 hours or VND25 million ($1,000) for a month.

Where is this new casino located and what is its official name?

The new casino is named Corona Resort and Casino, located on Phu Quoc Island off Vietnam’s southern coast. Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island and a major holiday destination.

How long has the government permitted this casino to allow local gamblers?

The government approved a three-year trial period for Vietnamese citizens to enter the casino. This trial started three months ago, making it the first casino to allow local gambling.

Are there other casinos in Vietnam, and do they allow local gamblers?

Yes, there are seven other casinos around the country. However, until this trial, they have strictly prohibited locals from gambling, only allowing foreign passport holders to enter them.

Reader pulse

Is allowing locals into Vietnam's casinos a smart economic move?

16,862 votes so far