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Vietnam’s Gaming Industry at a Crossroads
Vietnam’s gaming sector is approaching a pivotal moment in 2025, as the government prepares to conclude its pilot program allowing limited local participation in casinos
Since 2019, Vietnamese citizens meeting specific criteria have been permitted to enter selected properties — most notably the Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc, which opened in 2019, and Sun Group’s Van Don, an as-yet-undeveloped project — under a tightly controlled framework.
The Ministry of Finance is now finalizing a comprehensive review of the program’s outcomes, expected to guide future policy. According to Tim Nguyen, Director of Fortuna Investments, “This pilot wasn’t just about testing local demand — it was a way for the government to build confidence in its ability to regulate the sector without compromising social welfare.”
Emerging Findings and Reform Outlook
Preliminary data show modest gains in tax revenue, tourism-related spending, and job creation. However, concerns remain about social safeguards and regulatory enforcement.
Anticipated recommendations in the upcoming report may include:
- Expanding local access to more licensed casinos under strict requirements
- Creating a national gaming authority to oversee licensing and compliance
- Implementing electronic monitoring systems to track gambling behavior
- Requiring third-party audits and public impact reporting
If adopted, these measures would align Vietnam more closely with Singapore’s tightly regulated model, emphasizing both economic growth and social protection.
“Vietnam is not chasing rapid liberalization — it’s building a long-term framework where gaming is treated as a privilege, not a right,” says Nguyen. “That mindset is critical if we want sustainable growth without repeating the regulatory lapses seen in more volatile markets.”
Implications for Investors and Operators
For casino operators and integrated resort developers, an expansion of local access could unlock significant domestic demand — a segment previously off-limits. However, this opportunity will come with increased costs associated with compliance, audits, and technology upgrades.
“Investors are watching not just the access policies, but how predictably Vietnam enforces them,” Nguyen explains. “Clear, consistent regulation is the difference between a promising market and a risky one.”
Foreign investors may be encouraged by a more structured, transparent regulatory environment, while excessive red tape could have the opposite effect.
Online Gambling: The Next Frontier?
As land-based gaming cautiously expands, interest in online betting and sports wagering continues to rise. Currently, Vietnam prohibits most forms of online gambling, with a narrow exception for state-run betting on international football, horse racing, and greyhound racing.
Offshore platforms, operating in legal grey areas, remain popular with Vietnamese users. Analysts suggest that this may eventually push policymakers to consider a tightly regulated online gaming framework.
“Online gaming is inevitable — the real question is whether Vietnam wants to shape it or be shaped by it,” notes Nguyen. “If they move early with tight controls, they can build a safer ecosystem from the ground up.”
Should Vietnam legalize online sports betting, it would likely follow a highly restrictive model, involving geolocation, identity verification, and licensed operators under strict oversight.
Community and Social Engagement
For integrated resorts (IRs) to deliver sustainable benefits, they must be designed as community assets rather than isolated enclaves. This requires intentional strategies focused on local integration, social responsibility, and cultural preservation.
Community Integration: IRs should actively partner with local businesses, artisans, and cultural groups. By showcasing Thai cuisine, crafts, music, and performing arts within the resort, operators can ensure that IRs enhance rather than overshadow local culture. This approach not only supports local entrepreneurs but also creates a more authentic experience for visitors.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Globally, IRs contribute to community development through improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare initiatives. For instance, in Korea, casino operators fund local scholarships and cultural events. Thailand can adopt and expand upon these models, ensuring that a portion of IR tax revenues is designated for community reinvestment.
Responsible Gaming: A critical aspect of sustainability is addressing potential social concerns related to gambling. Countries such as Singapore have implemented effective responsible gaming frameworks, which include exclusion programs, entry levies for locals, and comprehensive education campaigns. Thailand can adopt and tailor these safeguards to ensure public trust while still benefiting economically.
Infrastructure Enhancement: The scale of IR development often leads to accelerated infrastructure upgrades that benefit both tourists and locals. Improvements in airports, highways, and utilities constructed to serve resorts also enhance the quality of life for communities nearby.
What Lies Ahead
The government’s upcoming report is expected to provide a clearer roadmap for reform. If the expected proposals are adopted, the next five years could include:
- Gradual expansion of casino access for locals
- Creation of a central gaming authority
- Broader use of technology for player tracking and reporting
- Ongoing exploration of regulated online betting
“The next five years will be defined by how well the country can balance revenue growth with social safeguards,” Nguyen concludes. “That’s the real test.”
Conclusion
Vietnam’s gaming industry stands on the brink of transformation. Whether the country opts for a more open, regulated model or maintains its current cautionary stance, stakeholders must be ready — not only for new opportunities but also for higher regulatory expectations and deeper accountability.
“‘Online gaming is inevitable — the real question is whether Vietnam wants to shape it or be shaped by it,” notes Nguyen. “If they move early with tight controls, they can build a safer ecosystem from the ground up.”
Tim is recognised as one of the most innovative marketeers of casino gaming in IndoChina. Having worked for some of the largest and most profitable casinos in Cambodia and Vietnam, he not only understands player needs but is able to build a strategy to attract and retain them for the long term. Tim is Vietnamese and fluent in English, Mandarin and Khmer, he has intimate knowledge of the Vietnamese gaming industry in the areas of marketing, operations and regulations as well as human resources.
