Vietnam Suspends Trial Program Allowing Locals to Gamble at Phu Quoc Casino
The trial program in Vietnam that allowed local citizens to gamble at the Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc ended on December 31, 2024, as the government suspended the pilot program until further notice, effective midnight, January 1, 2025.
Launched in 2019, the pilot program marked the first time Vietnamese citizens were permitted to gamble under strict conditions, including income thresholds and entry fees. Its initial purpose was to assess the feasibility of allowing local residents to participate in casino gaming, a measure intended to stimulate economic growth and curb overseas gambling activity.
Under the program, Vietnamese citizens were required to earn at least VND 10 million (US$400) per month and pay entry fees of VND 1 million (US$25) per day or VND 25 million per month. While the pilot was originally scheduled to end in 2022, it was extended to account for disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Corona Resort & Casino, the only venue authorized to host local players during the trial, stated that it would comply with the suspension and provide updates if the government revises the program. “We express our deepest gratitude to our customers and are proud to be the first company authorized to pilot allowing Vietnamese citizens to play in a casino,” the casino said.
The suspension does not affect foreign visitors, including Vietnamese citizens with foreign passports, who remain eligible to gamble at the resort.
The decision comes amid financial challenges for Corona Resort & Casino, which reported losses of VND 300 billion (US$12.7 million) in the first half of 2024. The losses were attributed to high depreciation, interest expenses, and decreased local participation. However, Phu Quoc’s tourism sector overall continues to thrive, with the island projected to receive 6 million visitors in 2024, a 49% increase from 2019.
Phu Quoc has benefited from favorable visa policies and significant tourism investments totaling VND 388.41 trillion. Travel publications have ranked the island among the top global tourist destinations for 2025, further solidifying its reputation as a major tourist hub.
The conclusion of the trial leaves the future of local participation in Vietnam’s casino industry uncertain. A second venue approved under the program, located in Van Don, has yet to open, raising questions about the government’s long-term strategy.
Despite the setback, Corona Resort & Casino remains optimistic about the potential reinstatement of the program. “We firmly believe that, with the appropriate adjustments, we will soon resume our operations to serve our valued customers and partners,” the casino stated.
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