Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has released an impact assessment proposing significant changes to the regulations governing casino access for domestic players.
The initiative aims to overhaul the current administrative framework, specifically targeting the cumbersome financial capacity verification process required for locals to enter gaming venues.
This move follows the government’s recent decision to expand local gaming opportunities, including the permanent authorization of the Corona Resort & Casino on Phu Quoc and a five-year pilot program for The Grand Ho Tram.
Currently, under Decree 03/2017, Vietnamese citizens must be at least 21 years old, possess full legal capacity, and prove a specific level of financial capability to gamble. The existing verification method demands the presentation of multiple supporting documents, creating operational friction for casinos and an administrative burden for players.
To address these inefficiencies, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance is drafting a new decree to replace the 2017 regulations. The primary proposal involves shifting away from documentation-heavy checks in favor of alternative verification mechanisms. Regulators are reportedly considering a higher entry ticket fee as a substitute for the exhaustive paperwork.
This streamlined approach is intended to maintain safeguards while significantly improving regulatory efficiency and ease of access for eligible players.
The push for modernization comes as Vietnam’s gaming sector demonstrates resilience and growth potential. Between 2017 and 2022, the country’s network of nine small casinos and three large integrated resorts (Corona, Ho Tram, and Hoiana) generated approximately US950 million in total revenue, contributing nearly US490 million to the national budget.
This performance was achieved despite severe disruptions caused by the global pandemic, which impacted the openings of both Corona and Hoiana.
The Ministry’s assessment suggests that simplifying entry requirements aligns with the government’s broader agenda to reduce administrative complexity. By removing friction points, authorities aim to foster a more transparent and accessible market for domestic players while continuing to enforce responsible gaming standards. As the sector expands, regulatory clarity remains a critical factor for operators planning future investments in the region.
