Key Moments:
- Vietnam has made access to Corona Resort & Casino permanent for Vietnamese nationals under new government resolution.
- Authorities have approved five-year pilot programs for local player entry at The Grand Ho Tram Resort and the planned Van Don integrated resort.
- Entry requirements and controls for Vietnamese players, including minimum income and entry fees, remain unchanged despite the expansion.
Major Policy Shift in Vietnamese Casino Regulations
The Vietnamese government has enacted permanent domestic access to Corona Resort & Casino for Vietnamese nationals and introduced five-year pilot projects at both The Grand Ho Tram Resort and the upcoming Van Don integrated resort. These initiatives mark a significant policy transition, achieved through Resolution No. 307/2025/NQ-CP released on November 26, 2025, which went into effect immediately. This is the first time that Vietnamese authorities have expanded local access to casinos beyond a single trial site.
Permanent Admission at Corona, New Pilots at Two Major Resorts
Corona Resort & Casino on Phu Quoc Island now holds indefinite approval to admit Vietnamese citizens, transitioning from a previously limited pilot scheme. This shift signals regulatory satisfaction with the property’s record and its contributions to the economy.
Alongside this, the government has authorized two five-year pilot programs enabling local gamblers to enter both The Grand Ho Tram Resort and the planned Van Don integrated resort. According to officials, these pilots are designed to evaluate the impact of expanded access, focusing on economic gains, social effects, and the adequacy of current safeguards. Decisions to further extend or restrict local access will depend on these assessments.
Strict Entry Conditions Remain in Place
Although access is expanding, strict criteria continue to apply. Vietnamese entrants must be at least 21 years old, legally capable, and must fulfill the minimum monthly income threshold of VND 10 million (€370) or fall under higher-grade personal income tax categories. The entry fees continue to stand at VND 1 million (€40) for a 24-hour ticket or VND 25 million (€1,010) for monthly entry. Family members still retain the right to bar relatives from entering casinos through formal objections.
| Location | Status | Pilot Period | Entry Fee (24-hour) | Entry Fee (Monthly) | Minimum Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corona Resort & Casino (Phu Quoc) | Permanent Access Granted | N/A | VND 1 million (€40) | VND 25 million (€1,010) | VND 10 million (€370) monthly or higher-grade income tax |
| The Grand Ho Tram Resort | Five-Year Pilot | Five Years | VND 1 million (€40) | VND 25 million (€1,010) | VND 10 million (€370) monthly or higher-grade income tax |
| Van Don Integrated Resort | Five-Year Pilot (Planned) | Five Years | VND 1 million (€40) | VND 25 million (€1,010) | VND 10 million (€370) monthly or higher-grade income tax |
Timeline and Economic Prospects
The expansion follows a period of uncertainty for domestic gamblers, as the initial pilot ended on December 31, 2024. During the evaluation gap, Vietnamese citizens found themselves almost entirely excluded from legal casino gaming in the country, while foreign passport holders maintained access.
The economic outlook for the new policy is significant. The Van Don casino project, which involves an investment of VND 51.5 trillion ($2.16 billion) and holds a 70-year concession, has pursued local player approval to solidify its business model. The Grand Ho Tram Resort, considered Vietnam’s largest integrated destination, is already undergoing a $1 billion expansion, aiming to raise total hotel room capacity above 9,000.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
This regulatory evolution comes in response to high-level political discussions and economic objectives for the Mekong Delta region. Top officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, have worked with the Ministry of Finance and regional leaders in shaping these decisions. There are also ongoing directives to investigate wider development mechanisms for Phu Quoc, such as the possible formation of a special administrative unit to strengthen the island’s investment and tourism appeal.
Market analysts note that this gradual policy relaxation reflects Vietnam’s effort to manage social issues while capitalizing on tourism and investment opportunities, addressing evident demand among its own citizens.
Industry Event Highlight
SiGMA South Asia is scheduled to take place in Colombo from November 30 to December 2, 2025. The event is set to attract 5,000 delegates, over 100 speakers, and 1,000 operators, providing a platform for high-value networking and market insights across the gaming industry.
- Author
Daniel Williams
