Vietnam suspends locals gambling – Vietnam’s trial with enabling locals to gamble at Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc will expire on December 31, 2024, after the government temporarily suspends the pilot program.
The experiment, which began in 2019, was intended to assess the possibility of allowing Vietnamese citizens to gamble at certain casinos under certain conditions. The suspension will take effect at midnight on January 1, 2025, and will last “until further notice” depending on future government decisions.
Suspension and Future Uncertainty
The Corona Resort & Casino, the sole facility authorized to host local gamblers, announced the suspension on its website, noting that the decision was made to comply with recent regulatory changes. The casino highlighted its commitment to ensure that Vietnamese players’ privileges are kept during the suspension period, but also noted that it will provide updates as soon as the government issues new regulations or policies.
While Vietnamese nationals will no longer be permitted to bet at the casino, international consumers and those with foreign passports will be unaffected by the move. The future of the pilot program, including whether it will resume or be permanently stopped, is unknown as the government reviews its next steps.
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Regulatory Adjustments and Legal Framework
The pilot program began in 2016, with the purpose of determining the sustainability of enabling locals to gamble at specific casinos. The initial regulation created the program for three years, ending in 2022. However, the emergence of COVID-19 caused difficulties, extending the pilot until 2024. In November 2024, the Vietnamese government modified the order, effectively stopping the program for some casinos, including Corona Resort, and adopting new laws that could affect the pilot’s future.
Under the initial terms, Vietnamese citizens had to meet severe criteria to gain admission to the casino, including a minimum monthly income of VND10 million (approximately $400 USD) and a daily entry fee of VND1 million or a monthly fee of VND25 million. Despite the fact that Corona Resort is the only casino operating under these rules, Van Don, which was licensed for the trial, has yet to operate.
The Effect on Phu Quoc’s Tourism and Casino Industry
The suspension of local gambling comes amid a burgeoning tourism boom in Phu Quoc, which is expected to welcome 6 million visitors in 2024, up 49% from 2019. With a rising number of international visitors, Phu Quoc’s popularity as a travel destination grows. The island’s selection as one of Travel+Leisure’s top 25 travel destinations for 2025 has increased its global visibility.
Despite the increased tourist, Corona Resort & Casino has struggled financially, reporting a deficit of VND300 billion ($12.7 million) in the first half of 2024. Analysts attribute this fall to expensive depreciation expenses, interest payments, and a considerable drop in local player engagement, notably with the removal of COVID-19 restrictions.
However, with tourism continuing to grow and many large tourism projects worth VND388.41 trillion under development on the island, the casino remains hopeful about its future prospects. It has expressed hope that the program will soon be resumed, stating that the resort remains committed to local athletes and will provide information once the suspension is lifted.
Looking ahead
As Phu Quoc prepares for more growth, with 274 tourism projects in the works, the future of local gambling in the area is dubious. The Corona Resort & Casino has vowed to keep its Vietnamese customers informed of any changes as the government finalizes its position. The decision to suspend local gaming may be a temporary measure while new regulations are reviewed, but there is still hope for a return to normal operations in the near future.
Source: Phu Quoc’s Corona Casino to suspend local players scheme starting in 2025
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