Five of the casinos are located in the north, two in the central region and one in the South, collectively contributing US$58 million to state’s coffers last year, up 49% year-on-year.

This follows a government-backed trial lifting the prohibition on local residents gambling in casinos.

The Corona Resort & Casino on the island of Phu Quoc in Kieng Giang province was selected first to enact such measures in January 2019. It attracted a total of 105,200 guests of which 47,400, or 45%, were Vietnamese citizens. The Corona’s 2019 revenue hit US$61.7 million, giving it close to 60% of the overall market.

Despite the increase in combined earnings, not all eight casinos recorded growth.

Royal International Corporation, which operates the largest casino in the northern province of Quang Ninh, saw revenues decline 45% to US$4.2 million, and Aristo International Hotel Casino in the border province of Lao Cai saw revenues fall 17% to US$15.4 million.