Vietnam proposes casino entry fee for locals as eligibility proxy
New rules may replace financial proof with flat ticketing system.
Key points:
– Vietnamese citizens may need to pay VND 2.5m (US$100) for 24-hour casino entry
– Proposal aims to simplify eligibility checks and reduce documentation burdens
– Investment minimum for casino projects remains US$2bn
Vietnamese authorities are considering a major change in how local citizens access casinos, with a proposal to introduce flat-rate ticketing as a replacement for financial proof requirements.
As reported by The VietNamNet, the Ministry of Finance has suggested a fixed entry fee of VND 2.5m (US$100) for a 24-hour period, or VND 50m for a monthly pass.
The proposal, currently part of a draft decree under public consultation, maintains the ongoing pilot that permits Vietnamese citizens to enter casinos if they meet basic conditions. These include being 21 years or older, of full civil capacity, and not being under a self-imposed or family-initiated ban.
Under existing rules, locals must present financial documents to prove income eligibility, which has created hurdles for travellers and casino operators.
The Ministry noted that this requirement has blocked many legitimate players from entering casinos, while administrative inefficiencies continue to contribute to foreign gambling outflows.
Good to know: Raising the ticket price is seen as a practical alternative to income verification, aligning with international approaches and simplifying access for high-income locals
The Ministry stressed that current controls have largely succeeded in limiting legal and regulatory complications, and believes shifting to a pricing model can both streamline procedures and curb foreign currency leakage.
Separately, the draft decree retains the US$2bn minimum capital requirement for casino project approvals. Operators would also be required to implement round-the-clock camera surveillance in key areas, with footage stored for a minimum of 180 days.
Covered zones would include entry points, gaming floors, cashier areas and storage rooms for chips and cash.
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
