Vietnam is looking to extend pilot scheme that allows locals to gamble at domestic casinos
Vietnamese government plans to extend the pilot scheme which allows economically-qualified locals to gamble at casinos.
Only two casino projects in Vietnam are currently part of the local-play pilot.
According to a state-run news outlet, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed to extend to 2024 the pilot scheme that allows economically qualified locals to gamble at selected domestic casinos.
The number of venues allowed under the scheme however will not be expanded. The pilot scheme had been decreed in 2017, but was only activated in 2019.
The three-year trial scheme had originally been due for review next year. According to the report, the extension to 2024 was due to the impact of the Covid-19.
The pandemic has affected domestic leisure activities in the country, as well as curtailing the inbound tourism trade from overseas.
Only two casino projects in Vietnam are currently part of the local-play pilot. One is Corona Resort and Casino, which situates on the southern resort island of Phu Quoc, opened in 2019.
The other venue permitted to cater to locals is the yet-to-open Van Don scheme, in Quang Ninh province, being promoted by Vietnamese firm Sun Group.
The proposal by the Ministry of Finance to extend the locals-play pilot scheme must be reviewed by the country’s prime minister and the Politburo.
Editing by Rachel Hu
