Gov’t permits qualified Vietnamese nationals to gamble at three casinos
VGP - The Government issued Resolution No. 8/2025/NQ-CP dated November 26, 2025, allowing eligible Vietnamese citizens to gamble at Phu Quoc, Ho Tram and Van Don casinos.
Qualified Vietnamese nationals are allowed to gamble at Phu Quoc, Ho Tram and Van Don casinos - Illustration photo
Under the resolution, Vietnamese nationals who meet the necessary criteria are permitted to gamble at the Phu Quoc casino project (Kien Giang Province) starting November 26.
The resolution also launches a five-year pilot program permitting qualified Vietnamese to gamble at the Ho Tram casino project (Ho Chi Minh City), beginning the same day.
Similarly, Vietnamese citizens may access the Van Don casino project (Quang Ninh Province) for a five-year period from the date the facility obtains an official business licence for casino operations.
According to the document, the management of eligible Vietnamese gamblers as well as the operation and oversight of casino activities at approved projects must comply with Decree No. 03/2017 or any of its amendments and replacements.
At the end of the trial period, the Ho Tram and Van Don casino projects must suspend gambling activities for Vietnamese citizens until a new decision is issued by a competent authority.
Casino project investors are required to strictly manage Vietnamese participants and fully comply with all legal regulations governing casino business operations.
Earlier, in 2016, the Politburo approved a pilot scheme allowing Vietnamese citizens to gamble at the Phu Quoc and Van Don casinos for a three-year period. However, only the Phu Quoc casino became operational, opening its doors in January 2019. Under Decree No. 03/2017, this pilot phase was to conclude in January 2022.
In 2022, the Ministry of Finance proposed extending the Phu Quoc pilot until the end of 2024, citing the COVID-19 pandemic's adverse impact on casino business performance and arguing that the initial trial period was insufficient to evaluate the policy's effectiveness.
In May 2024, the Politburo agreed to extend the Phu Quoc pilot through the end of 2024. For the Van Don project, the trial period will last three years from the date its casino business officially begins.
Viet Nam is home to nine casinos of which the rest of six others are still only open to foreigners, with the government maintaining a tight control over gambling.
Under Decree 03/2017, Vietnamese gamblers must be at least 21 years old, possess full civil capacity and financial capability, and purchase entry tickets. Players must prove a monthly income of at least VND10 million (US$379) or fall under the third personal income tax bracket or higher under the Law on Personal Income Tax.
