Vietnam reconsiders casino access for locals on Phu Quoc's Corona Resort

Vietnam’s government is reportedly reviewing the possibility of allowing locals to permanently gamble at Phu Quoc Island’s Corona Resort & Casino, following an instruction from Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long.

The Ministry of Finance has been directed to study policies for the continued access of Vietnamese citizens to the casino, alongside broader efforts to spur development in the Mekong Delta region, according to a VietnamNet report.

Corona Resort & Casino, developed by Phu Quoc Tourism Development and Investment JSC and linked to Vingroup, was the only venue authorized to host Vietnamese gamblers under a pilot program launched in 2016. The program, approved by the Politburo, aimed to assess the socio-economic impacts of allowing locals to gamble under regulated conditions.

During the pilot period, which ended on December 31, 2024, Vietnamese nationals were required to meet certain qualifications, including a monthly income of at least VND10 million (approximately US$382). They also had to pay VND1 million ($39) for daily access or VND25 million ($955) for a monthly pass.

The pilot was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected casino revenues despite a post-pandemic tourism recovery. In 2024, Phu Quoc welcomed six million visitors, nearly 50% higher than in 2019. However, the casino posted a loss exceeding VND300 billion in the first half of 2024, driven by depreciation, interest expenses, and reduced participation from local players.

With the program’s suspension, Vietnamese citizens currently have almost no legal avenues to gamble within the country, while foreign passport holders remain unaffected.

Policy review linked to regional development

The government’s directive to the Finance Ministry stems from recent meetings between General Secretary To Lam and provincial leaders of Kien Giang and An Giang, which focused on economic development strategies for the Mekong Delta.

The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with reviewing mechanisms to develop Phu Quoc, including special policies that could involve reopening the casino to locals. The Ministry of Home Affairs is also working with relevant agencies to design a framework for a new special administrative unit for Phu Quoc under An Giang province.

In parallel, the Finance Ministry has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister for a separate VND51.5 trillion luxury casino-resort project in Quang Ninh province. The Van Don facility in this province was also initially approved for the locals gambling pilot, although the project has yet to break ground.

Infrastructure and investment push ahead of APEC 2027

The policy review aligns with Vietnam’s preparation for the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week, which it will host. The government is prioritizing infrastructure developments in the Mekong Delta, including the Tan Chau – Hong Ngu Bridge, highway connections to border gates, and the Ton Duc Thang Bridge in Long Xuyen.

An Giang province has been directed to update its investment invitation list and align it with national and international promotion efforts. Funding for these initiatives may include public-private partnerships, particularly for the proposed Rach Gia – Bac Lieu expressway slated for 2026–2030.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is also advancing the “1 million hectares of low-emission, high-quality rice” program to support regional agriculture and improve farmer incomes. Ministries involved in the regional development initiatives are required to submit updates or unresolved matters to the Prime Minister and the Central Office of the Communist Party by July 30, 2025.

Casino operations and financing

The promoter of Corona Resort & Casino has recently raised VND2.4 trillion ($91.7 million) through five-year bonds, a refinancing effort to stabilize its financial position given the uncertain regulatory environment.

In a statement confirming the pilot program’s suspension, the casino thanked patrons and recognized its role as the first legal venue for Vietnamese citizens to gamble, but it did not indicate when or if local access would resume.