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Are Casinos Legal in Vietnam?

Introduction: The Complex Landscape of Vietnamese Gaming

Vietnam has rapidly transformed into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic tourist destinations. From the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the country offers a wealth of experiences. However, for a specific subset of travelers and investors, one question looms larger than the rest: Are casinos legal in Vietnam?

The answer is not a simple yes or no. It is a nuanced “yes, but…” that depends heavily on who you are, what passport you hold, and where exactly you are standing. For decades, gambling was viewed strictly as a “social evil” by the government, grouped alongside drug use and prostitution. However, economic realities and the desire to boost tourism revenue have led to a significant shift in policy over the last ten years.

In 2025, the landscape is evolving. We have seen the rise of multi-billion dollar Integrated Resorts (IRs) along the coast, sophisticated E-gaming clubs in 5-star hotels, and a pilot program that—for the first time—opened the doors to local citizens. This comprehensive guide will dissect every angle of the industry. We will explore the decrees, the designated locations, the strict conditions for entry, and the penalties for non-compliance. If you are asking, “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“, this is the only resource you will need.

Part 1: The Legal Framework – Decree 03/2017/ND-CP

To truly understand the answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“, we must look at the legislation that governs the industry. The pivotal moment came in 2017 with the issuance of Decree 03/2017/ND-CP. Before this decree, the industry operated in a much grayer area. This legislation formalized the casino business, setting strict capital requirements for investors and clear rules for players.

The “Foreigner Only” Precedent

Historically, the answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” was “Only for foreigners.” For years, the government maintained a strict prohibition against its own citizens entering gambling establishments. The rationale was social stability. The government feared that allowing locals to gamble would lead to debt, crime, and family breakdowns.

Under the 2017 decree, international visitors and Vietnamese citizens holding foreign passports (Viet Kieu) are legally permitted to gamble in licensed casinos. If you are a tourist checking into a luxury resort in Danang or Ho Tram, you can walk onto the gaming floor, provided you show a valid passport and are over the age of 18 (some casinos require 21).

The Local Pilot Program

The most revolutionary aspect of the 2017 decree was the introduction of a pilot program allowing locals to gamble. This changed the narrative surrounding the question, “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” for the domestic market. The government realized that millions of dollars were bleeding out of the country as Vietnamese nationals crossed borders into Cambodia to play.

To stem this flow of capital, they authorized a three-year pilot program (which has since been extended and reviewed) allowing locals to enter specific casinos, provided they meet rigorous financial and behavioral criteria.

Part 2: The Conditions for Play

When researching “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“, it is crucial to distinguish between the two classes of players: Foreigners and Locals. The legality is absolute for one group and conditional for the other.

For Foreign Passport Holders

For international tourists, the process is seamless. Are casinos legal in Vietnam for you? Absolutely.

• Identification: You must present a valid foreign passport.
• Age: You must be 18 years or older (though many high-end IRs enforce a 21+ policy).
• Dress Code: Most casinos enforce a smart-casual dress code. Flip-flops and tank tops are generally not permitted on the main gaming floor.

For Vietnamese Citizens (The Pilot Program)

For a local asking “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“, the answer is “Yes, but only at specific locations and under strict conditions.” Currently, only a few locations, most notably the Corona Resort & Casino on Phu Quoc Island, are authorized to accept locals.

To enter, a Vietnamese citizen must prove:

1. Age: Must be 21 years or older.
2. Income: Must prove a regular monthly income of at least 10 million VND (approx. $400 USD). This is verified through tax returns, bank statements, or notarized lease agreements.
3. Entry Fee: Locals must buy an entry ticket. The cost is 1 million VND (approx. $40) for 24 hours or 25 million VND ($1,000) for a monthly pass. The proceeds from these tickets go to the provincial budget.
4. Family Consent: A player can be banned if a spouse, parent, or child petitions the casino, stating that the player’s gambling is causing financial hardship to the family.

This strict vetting process is the government’s answer to the question “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” while maintaining social control.

Part 3: The Landscape of Licensed Casinos

To fully answer “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“, we must map out where these legal entities exist. The industry is divided into two distinct categories: large-scale Integrated Resorts (IRs) and smaller E-Gaming Clubs.

The Integrated Resorts (IRs)

These are world-class destinations that rival those found in Macau or Singapore. They are the definitive answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” for high-rollers.

1. The Grand Ho Tram Strip (Ba Ria – Vung Tau): Located about two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Tram was the first true integrated resort in the country. It features a Greg Norman-designed golf course and a massive gaming floor. When people ask, “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” in the context of luxury travel, Ho Tram is often the first example cited. It is currently open only to foreign passport holders.
2. Corona Resort & Casino (Phu Quoc): This is the most significant location in the country because it is the testbed for local gaming. Located on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc, Corona answers the question “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” with a resounding yes for both locals and foreigners. It is part of a massive complex including VinWonders and a safari, making it a family-friendly destination where gaming is just one amenity.
3. Hoiana Resort & Golf (Quang Nam): Situated near the ancient town of Hoi An, Hoiana is a massive development. It boasts a stunning coastline and a high-end casino catering primarily to Asian VIPs. It operates strictly under the foreign-passport-only rule.
4. Crowne Plaza Danang (Club 99): Danang is a hub for gaming due to its international airport and beautiful beaches. The gaming center here is a popular stop for tourists.

E-Gaming Clubs

If you are in a major city like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and ask, “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“, you might be directed to a 5-star hotel. These hotels host “E-Gaming Clubs.”

• The Difference: These are not full casinos. They do not have live dealers (real people shuffling cards). Instead, they feature electronic roulette, electronic baccarat, and slot machines.
• Legality: Are casinos legal in Vietnam in the city center? No, full casinos are not. But these E-gaming clubs are fully legal and licensed for foreign passport holders only. You will find them in hotels like the Caravelle, the Sheraton, and the Pullman.

Part 4: The Status of Online Gambling

This is the most critical distinction to make. Many users search “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” hoping to find information about online betting sites or apps.

The Reality: Online gambling is strictly illegal in Vietnam for everyone—locals and foreigners alike. The government does not issue licenses for online casinos. While you may see advertisements for betting sites, these are offshore operators. Accessing them from within Vietnam puts you at risk. The cybersecurity laws and the penal code are very clear. While the government largely targets the operators and organizers of these rings, players can face administrative fines.

So, when you ask, “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“, remember that this applies only to physical, brick-and-mortar establishments licensed by the Ministry of Finance. The digital realm remains a “No-Go” zone legally, despite its underground prevalence.

Part 5: The Economic Drivers of Legalization

Why did the government shift its stance? Why, after decades of prohibition, is the answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” changing? The answer is economics.

Tourism Competitiveness

Vietnam competes with Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines for tourism dollars. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands proved that Integrated Resorts can drive massive tourism traffic. To remain competitive as a destination, Vietnam realized it needed to offer nightlife and entertainment options that appeal to high-spending tourists. The question “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” is often asked by wealthy travelers planning their holidays; a “no” meant losing them to Phuket or Sentosa.

Capital Flight (The “Bleeding” of Currency)

Before the pilot program, Vietnamese citizens spent billions of dollars annually in Cambodian border casinos (like Bavet and Poipet). The government recognized that they couldn’t stop the gambling, but they could tax it. By answering “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” with a conditional “yes” for locals, they aimed to keep that revenue within the national borders, directing it toward infrastructure and social welfare.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Developing an Integrated Resort requires billions of dollars. The requirement for a casino license usually involves a commitment to invest at least $2 billion USD into the local economy. This creates jobs, builds roads, and upgrades airports. The legalization of casinos is essentially a strategy to attract massive FDI.

Part 6: Penalties for Illegal Gambling

It is vital to understand the consequences. If you misinterpret the answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” and engage in illegal gambling, the penalties are severe.

Vietnam divides gambling offenses into two categories: Administrative and Criminal.

• Administrative Fines: For small-scale gambling (like a home poker game or small bets), fines can range from 200,000 VND to several million VND.
• Criminal Prosecution: Under Article 321 of the Penal Code, gambling involving sums over 5 million VND (approx $200) can lead to criminal charges. This can result in prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 3 years, or up to 7 years for organized professional gambling.

This is why verifying the license of the establishment is crucial. Just because a place looks like a casino doesn’t mean it answers “yes” to the question “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“. Underground gambling dens are frequently raided by police. Always stick to the 5-star hotels and recognized Integrated Resorts.

Part 7: The Future – Will It Open Up Further?

As of 2025, the pilot program at Corona Resort has been reviewed. The government is cautious. They are analyzing the social impact before deciding whether to expand local access to other IRs like Ho Tram or Hoiana.

Investors are watching closely. The definitive answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” for the entire population is the “Holy Grail” for casino operators. With a population of over 100 million and a rapidly growing middle class, Vietnam is seen as the next great frontier in Asian gaming.

Currently, two other locations (Van Don in the north and another proposed site) have been theoretically approved for the local pilot program, but operational rollout has been slow. The government prioritizes social order over rapid expansion. Therefore, the answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” will likely remain “Yes, for foreigners, and extremely limited for locals” for the near future.

Part 8: Practical Tips for Visitors

If you are planning to visit and the question “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” is relevant to your itinerary, keep these tips in mind:

1. Carry Your Passport: You cannot enter any gaming floor without it. A photocopy or a driver’s license is rarely accepted.
2. Currency: Most casinos in Vietnam operate in USD or use chips denominated in USD equivalents, even though the local currency is VND. You will exchange your cash at the cage.
3. Membership Cards: It is worth signing up. Because the answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” involves strict tracking of players, membership cards are mandatory for entry and often come with free play or dining vouchers.
4. Know the Game: Baccarat is king in Vietnam. You will find endless rows of Baccarat tables. Roulette, Blackjack, and Sic Bo are also popular. Poker (Texas Hold’em) against the house is common, but player-vs-player poker rooms are rarer and exist in a slightly different legal category (often operating as “Bridge and Poker” associations).

Part 9: Contrasting Vietnam with Neighbors

To fully appreciate the context of “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“, compare it to the region.

• Cambodia: Casinos are legal and plentiful, but usually restricted for locals (though enforcement varies).
• Singapore: Legal for all, with an entry levy for locals (similar to Vietnam’s pilot model).
• Thailand: Currently illegal, but the government is actively debating legalization to boost tourism (following Vietnam’s model).
• China: Strictly illegal (except Macau).

Vietnam occupies a middle ground—stricter than Cambodia but opening up faster than Thailand. This unique position makes the question “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” highly relevant for investors looking for the “Goldilocks” zone of regulation and opportunity.

Part 10: E-Gaming Clubs Detailed

We briefly mentioned E-gaming, but this sector deserves more attention as it is the most accessible form of gambling in cities. When a tourist in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City asks, “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?“, they are likely standing in front of a hotel like the Rex or the Majestic.

These clubs are fascinating. They use automated roulette wheels and video slots. The atmosphere is quieter and more private than a massive IR. For many expats, these clubs are the practical answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” for daily entertainment. They offer free food and drinks to players and operate 24/7. However, remember: strictly foreign passports only. A Vietnamese national cannot enter these premises, regardless of their income. The pilot program applies only to the specific IRs designated by the government, not these city-center clubs.

Part 11: The Van Don Project

No discussion about “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” is complete without mentioning Van Don. Located in Quang Ninh province (near Ha Long Bay), this is the second location approved for the local pilot program. However, development has faced delays. Once fully operational, it will provide a northern hub for local gamblers, balancing out the southern hub in Phu Quoc. This demonstrates the government’s long-term strategy: creating specific, contained zones where the answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” is a comprehensive yes, while keeping the general population restriction in place elsewhere.

Part 12: Responsible Gaming in Vietnam

With the legalization comes the responsibility to manage addiction. The decree answering “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” also mandates responsible gaming measures. Casinos must display signage about the risks of gambling. The entry fee for locals is, in itself, a responsible gaming measure designed to deter low-income individuals from playing.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the legal framework allows for “Self-Exclusion.” A player can request to be banned from the casino to prevent themselves from entering. This legal mechanism reinforces that while the answer to “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” is yes, the government is acutely aware of the social costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Conclusion: A Nation in Transition

The question “Are casinos legal in Vietnam?” reveals a country in the midst of a significant economic and social transition. Vietnam has moved from a hardline prohibitionist stance to a pragmatic, regulated approach. By creating a legal framework (Decree 03/2017), the government has acknowledged that gambling is an inevitable part of the leisure economy.

For the international traveler, Vietnam is an open playground. World-class resorts await in Ho Tram, Danang, and Phu Quoc, offering luxury gaming experiences that rival any in Asia. For the local citizen, the door is unlocking, albeit slowly and with heavy safeguards.

As we look toward the future, the industry is poised for growth. New projects are being planned, and the success of the pilot program could eventually lead to broader access. However, the core principle remains: gambling in Vietnam is a privilege, not a right. It is bound by strict laws, geographical zones, and financial criteria.

So, Are casinos legal in Vietnam? Yes. They are legal, they are luxurious, and they are a growing part of the nation’s tourism identity. But they are also heavily regulated. Whether you are a casual player looking to pull a slot lever or a high-roller looking for a Baccarat shoe, understanding these rules is the key to a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful country. Play smart, follow the rules, and enjoy the excitement that Vietnam’s emerging gaming sector has to offer.

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