Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed a sharp increase in casino entry fees for local residents—potentially doubling or even tripling the current levy—as an alternative to requiring proof of income.
Under the current trial scheme, locals may legally gamble only at Corona Resort & Casino. Instead of demanding income verification, the ministry aims to raise the daily entry fee to VND2.5 million (around $95) and increase the monthly pass to VND50 million (roughly $1,900), 2.5 times the current rate.
Officials explained that many gamblers struggle to provide consistent documentation of their income—especially when they gamble sporadically. As a result, the ministry believes raising entry fees would create a more practical and enforceable threshold.
Additionally, the proposal would require casinos to store customer data for at least five years, allowing authorities to review and verify information when needed.
This move aligns with Vietnam’s broader discussions around expanding its local gambling trial program. Authorities are currently considering an extension in Phu Quoc and are also planning to open access to Van Don’s upcoming integrated resort in Quang Ninh Province.
The Van Don project recently received approval to move forward, backed by a required $2 billion investment in exchange for a 70-year casino license. The development is expected to play a major role in Vietnam’s push to grow its regulated gaming sector while balancing social concerns.
While the final decision is still pending, the proposal signals Vietnam’s intent to modernize its gaming framework—shifting from income-based restrictions to financial deterrents, with added data transparency.
