Vietnam Government Again Pitches Multibillion-Dollar Casino Resort
Posted on: June 2, 2025, 04:29h.
Last updated on: June 2, 2025, 04:29h.
- Vietnam is once again considering a large casino resort in Quang Ninh
- Vietnam authorized a casino resort through legislation passed in 2017
- Only one casino in Vietnam is accessible to locals
The Vietnamese government is once again considering a luxury casino resort in the Quang Ninh Province.
VnExpress International, among the most popular online media outlets in Vietnam, reported over the weekend that Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang sent a formal request to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh for the authorization of an integrated resort casino in the province located along Vietnam’s northeastern coast.
Thang has suggested that the Vietnamese government allow a casino resort to be built on more than 600 acres of undeveloped land in the Van Don Special Administrative Zone roughly 100 air miles northwest of the Hanoi capital. Along with a high-end hotel and gaming space, Thang’s pitch includes amenities like a theater and conference space for exhibitions and conferences.
Thang says the project should be reserved for only the most financially robust gaming operators, as the minimum investment would be around VN$51.5 trillion (US$1.97 billion). However, the Vietnamese government would only require about VN$7.7 trillion (US$295.8 million) upfront from the operator, with financing for the remaining investment issued through government-backed loans.
Vietnam Casino Proposal Returns
Thang’s casino proposal includes a three-phased development. The first phase would cost around VN$25.1 trillion. Phases two and three would respectively tally around VN$22.1 trillion and VN$4.3 trillion.
Thang and authorities in the Van Don Special Administrative Zone believe a destination casino would greatly assist in making Vietnam more attractive for general leisure travel and business events. Thang’s Finance Ministry has proposed a 70-year gaming license, should the prime minister back the push.
Thang’s casino proposition for Van Don comes after the Planning and Investment Ministry presented a similar plan in November 2023 for a destination casino with the same investment of VND51.5 trillion. Though the prime minister reviewed the matter, the casino was pushed aside.
But now, with nearby Thailand mulling several casino resorts, Thang might be more inclined to act.
Race for VIPs
With Macau no longer catering to VIPs after Beijing instructed its casino enclave to better scrutinize junket businesses, which led to nearly all fleeing for more favorable operating climates, several countries in Southeast Asia are considering big bets on attracting those mainland Chinese high rollers.
Vietnam is already home to many boutique casinos located inside hotels that are reserved for foreigners only.
However, the Vietnamese government in 2017 authorized two casinos for locals, with the condition that they can provide proof that they earn at least VN$10 million (US$384) a month. Along with proving income, locals must also pay a daily VN$1 million entry fee or purchase monthly tickets for VN$25 million.
The first casino available to Vietnamese people opened in 2019 in Phu Quoc City in South Vietnam. The Corona Resort & Casino has about 1,000 slot machines and 100 live dealer table games.
A luxury casino resort near Hanoi in Northern Vietnam would be aptly located just a short flight from Macau and Hong Kong.
As a communist state, Pham reports to General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong. Among the prime minister’s primary duties are to manage social-economic defense in which the 2017 casino bill falls.
Last Comment ( 1 )
This proposal includes a giant circular bar and club to be called the Me So Horny Lounge