Phu Quoc IR could be allowed to participate in locals gambling trial

Vietnam has identified the first of two casinos that will be permitted to allow entry to local residents as part of a three-year trial.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment has recommended that Vin Group’s Bai Dai integrated resort project on Phu Quoc island be allowed to participate in the pilot programme.

In January 2017, the government drafted Decree 03/2017/ND-CP, regulating casino gambling for Vietnamese citizens during a three-year trial period, with the legislation coming into effect on 15 March 2017.

Vietnamese customers must be at least 21 years old and have a monthly regular income of minimum VND10m ($437), while only casino resorts with a total capital investment of at least $2bn are eligible to participate in the programme.

Commentators suggest that Sun Group’s forthcoming integrated resort in Van Don – scheduled to open in late Q2 2019 could be the second property included in the trial.

However both casino resorts have yet to open and media reports suggest that the trial will not officially commence until the first property is awarded its gaming licence.

“Possibly after the three-year trial is complete, other venues will be allowed to offer gaming to Vietnamese nationals, however the government has stated that there is also a good possibility that they may extend the trial period for a further three years after is initial period is complete,” said Eric Coskun, senior associate at IGamiX Management and Consulting, speaking to International Casino Review last year.