Vietnam plans to ease casino entry rules for local gamblers in 2024
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance has proposed changes to the country's casino regulations, aiming to simplify entry rules for local gamblers. The current system, in place since 2017, requires multiple documents and financial checks, which officials now describe as overly complex. A new decree is under review to streamline the process while keeping strict oversight in place. Under the existing 2017 rules, Vietnamese citizens must meet several conditions before entering a casino. They need to be at least 21, hold full legal capacity, purchase an entry ticket, and prove financial stability. Additionally, they must not appear on any exclusion lists, whether self-requested or family-initiated. The ministry has acknowledged that this multi-step process creates unnecessary delays for both players and casino operators.
The proposed update focuses on easing the financial-capacity requirement, though no further specifics have been released. Authorities have stressed that the broader legal framework—covering licensing, equipment imports, security, and currency controls—will remain unchanged. Casinos must still refund unused chips or winnings when exchanged for Vietnamese dong, ensuring financial transparency. Between 2017 and 2022, Vietnam's casinos generated 22.89 trillion VND (around US$950 million) in revenue. Of this, 11.81 trillion VND (approximately US$490 million) went to the national budget. A pilot programme in Phu Quoc revealed that while Vietnamese players made up 52 percent of visitors, they accounted for 88 percent of total revenue. Currently, the country operates nine casinos, with two more projects in development.
The ministry's assessment highlights the need for a more efficient system without weakening oversight. If approved, the revised decree would reduce paperwork for gamblers while maintaining strict controls on casino operations. The changes aim to balance accessibility with financial safeguards in Vietnam's growing gaming sector.
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