Vietnam’s latest proposal to reintroduce local access to casinos via a streamlined entry fee system is more about simplifying oversight and revenue capture than blocking local participation, according to a gaming industry expert.
Speaking to AGB, Tim Nguyen, Director of Fortuna Investments, said the Ministry of Finance’s draft decree represents a shift away from burdensome income verification processes and moves Vietnam closer to Singapore’s tightly controlled model of local casino access, while avoiding the more liberal approaches adopted in the Philippines and Cambodia.
“Vietnam’s entry levy proposal is very much a filtering mechanism,” Nguyen told AGB. “It’s not designed as a tax for revenue — though it does collect some — but as a social safeguard.”
The Ministry of Finance’s draft outlines a two-tiered access fee for locals: VND2.5 million ($100) for a 24-hour pass or VND50 million ($2,000) for a monthly pass. These would replace the previous wealth test trialled at Phu Quoc’s Corona Resort & Casino, which required locals to show proof of a monthly income of at least VND10 million ($400) and pay a VND1 million ($40) entry fee.
The new proposal — open for public consultation — follows concerns that wealth verification requirements were impractical for both casino operators and customers, as many prospective players were unable to provide the necessary documentation in advance.
Nguyen argued that the flat-fee model removes bureaucratic friction and provides a more straightforward way to regulate local participation. “For high rollers, a daily fee of VND2.5 million is not a big deterrent,” he said. “Many will prefer this to showing income documents.”
Conversely, the system is expected to discourage casual or low-income gamblers. “The fee increase is a strong barrier,” Nguyen noted. “Occasional visitors may find it too expensive, limiting small-scale gambling.”
The proposed VND50 million ($2,000) monthly pass effectively targets wealthy, committed players. “Paying upfront shows strong commitment, which may also help casinos stabilize revenue,” he said.
Currently, no casinos in Vietnam are authorised to accept local players, following the lapse of the pilot program at Phu Quoc casino on January 1st, 2025. Under the draft decree, locals wishing to enter casinos must be at least 21 years old, legally competent, pay the entry fee, and not be subject to exclusion requests from family members or themselves.
Players would also be required to use Vietnamese dong for all casino transactions, including converting any winnings back into the local currency. In addition, any casino development must meet a minimum investment threshold of $2 billion to obtain an investment registration certificate.
While it is not yet clear whether all large-scale casinos would be permitted to accept locals under the new scheme, local media reports indicate that the national government and the ruling politburo have approved the policy in principle.
When asked whether Vietnam’s affluent class is large enough to support casino operations, Nguyen said the answer depends on several factors, including the size of the wealthy population, casino business models, and long-term sustainability.
Still, he believes the intent of the policy is clear: “This brings Vietnam closer to Singapore’s model — tightly controlled but allowing wealthy locals to gamble — while avoiding Cambodia and the Philippines’ more liberal systems.”
