Vietnam’s casino industry is expanding, driven by robust demand from Korean visitors. At the same time, the market is evolving as player demographics shift, competition intensifies, and operators adopt digital tools to engage customers more effectively.
Korean Players Drive Growth
Scott Choi, head of external marketing at Lion Club, a premium e-gaming operator, told AGB that Korean visitors remain the dominant segment across integrated resorts and urban gaming venues. Most Vietnamese casinos operate under a foreigner-only policy, making international players—especially from South Korea—the core customer base.
Although the proportion of Korean visitors has slightly decreased with the return of Chinese tourists, their demand continues to shape marketing strategies, customer programs, and expansion plans across the sector. Vietnam welcomed around 22 million international visitors last year, including 4 million from Korea, creating a substantial pool of potential gaming customers.
Shifting Player Behavior
Korean visitors are increasingly segmented between high-value VIPs and price-conscious mass-market players. Premium guests, often business owners or executives, maintain strong betting capacity, while mass-market players compare travel costs, hotel packages, and promotional incentives before visiting.
Integrated Resorts vs. Urban E-Gaming Clubs
Integrated resorts like The Grand Ho Tram, Hoiana Resort & Golf, and Corona Resort & Casino attract leisure travelers combining gaming with golf, dining, and other amenities. These visitors typically stay several nights and generate diversified spending.
Urban e-gaming clubs, by contrast, draw frequent visitors, including Korean expats and workers, focusing mainly on gaming. Here, revenue comes from higher betting intensity, with limited non-gaming spending.
Younger Players and Digital Shift
Vietnam’s gaming market is attracting younger, mobile-native Korean players who prefer lower minimum bets, faster gameplay, and digital interfaces. While baccarat remains popular, slots and electronic table games are gaining traction, especially in urban venues.
This trend is driving digital transformation, with operators launching websites, apps, and real-time messaging tools to enhance engagement. Competition has intensified, prompting increased spending on promotions, commissions, and skilled hosts to maintain strong player networks.
Outlook for Korean Demand
Choi expects Korean visitation and gaming demand to rise by at least 15% over the next year, supported by infrastructure projects like Long Thanh International Airport and expanded direct flights from Korea. Vietnam’s lower living costs, familiar cuisine, improved hospitality, and safety make it an attractive alternative to other regional gaming destinations such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, and Macau.
