Corona Casino in Vietnam Reopens Following Coronavirus Shutdown

Posted on: May 12, 2020, 12:04h. 

Last updated on: May 11, 2020, 04:28h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Vietnam casinos are reopening after a month-long shutdown because of the coronavirus, and one such property is, ironically, the Corona Casino on Phu Quoc Island.

Corona Casino coronavirus Vietnam
Vietnam’s Corona Casino is back up and running after recovering from the coronavirus. (Image: Corona Casino)

Vietnam’s casinos shuttered their operations on government orders for two weeks beginning April 1 in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The closures were later extended until early May. But now, many are welcoming guests back.

With only 288 confirmed COVID-19 cases and zero deaths from the respiratory disease, the Vietnamese government has allowed nonessential businesses – including casinos – to reopen, so long as they do so with social distancing in place and increased health safety measures.

After a month of suspension in order to combat the COVID-19 disease, the Corona Resort & Casino has officially returned,” a statement on the casino website reads. The $2.1 billion integrated resort opened in January of 2019.

To incentivize guests visiting the resort, located on the Gulf of Thailand, Corona Casino is offering reduced rates on hotel stays, as well as discounted dining and entertainment. A Facebook post from Corona Casino said the resort is an ideal option “for you to relax after the stressful pandemic situation shows more positive changes.”

Locals Only Casino

Corona Casino is the only casino in Vietnam that is accessible for citizens and residents of the Southeast Asia country.

Vietnam legalized commercial gambling for “foreigners only” in 2017. The decision was part of an effort to rid the country of its widespread illegal gambling rings and underground sports betting networks. At the time, the black market gaming industry was estimated to be worth billions of dollars.

Vietnamese who can prove their monthly income is at least 10 million dongs ($430) are allowed entry to Corona Casino. They’re charged a one million dong entrance fee ($43) per visit.

The casino offers gamblers 1,000 slot machines and 100 table games. Along with the more than 1,300 guestrooms, the resort features a private beach, shopping mall, amusement park, golf course, theater, and nearly 200,000-square-foot convention center.

Restrictions in Place

Though Corona Casino is back to business, it’s not business as normal. Property General Manager Goran Milosheski told Inside Asian Gaming that strict occupancy limits are being adhered to, and operating times have been reduced to 12 hours a day (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.).

Milosheski said no more than 30 people at a time can be in any one area, and no entertainment is scheduled until further notice. The frequency of cleaning high-touch areas has been increased, and hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the resort. Employees are also wearing face masks.

Vietnam is home to some 40 casinos. Corona has the most slot machines and table games. Next is Ho Tram Resort in Ho Chi Minh City, which has approximately 600 slots and 90 tables.