Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance may revise its rules regarding local participation in gambling and is expected to partially replicate Singapore’s controversial regulatory model.
As part of the changes, VietnamNet reports that Vietnamese citizens will be required to pay VND 2.5 million (approximately USD 100) for 24-hour access to a casino. This would replace the current requirement for a full financial background check, though the framework is expected to evolve with additional restrictions.
These developments follow discussions initiated by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long regarding a permanent exemption allowing local residents to gamble at Corona Resort & Casino on Phu Quoc Island.
Alongside the move to emulate Singapore’s legislation, attempts to restrict local access have also sparked controversy in Thailand. Prior to her removal from office, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pushed for a framework that effectively excluded Thai nationals from participating in casino gambling. Specifically, she proposed a USD 150 entry fee and a requirement of at least USD 1.5 million in fixed deposits for Thai citizens to be allowed access to casino venues. These measures were aimed at reorienting casino resorts exclusively toward foreign tourists.
Although these restrictions slowed progress on Thailand’s casino bill, it was ultimately a political crisis linked to Shinawatra’s resignation that led to the complete halt of the legislation.
The Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, withdrew its support following the leak of a phone conversation between Shinawatra and Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen. The scandal intensified amid a growing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. During the call, Shinawatra allegedly criticized the Thai military for its actions at the border, sparking diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
The border conflict escalated in May, following an armed clash and the death of a Cambodian soldier, which had serious political implications for both Thailand and Cambodia, including operational challenges for Cambodia’s casino sector.
Shinawatra defended the conversation, stating her remarks were part of a strategy to ease tensions, but the Bhumjaithai Party asserted that her actions had “damaged the sovereignty and national security of Thailand and its armed forces.”
At the time, the casino bill was under review by the Senate, and the political instability threatened its passage. Following the collapse of Shinawatra’s government and heightened political unrest, a motion was introduced to halt the bill’s progress, delivering a final blow to Thailand’s hopes of legalizing casinos.
As of now, restrictions allowing only foreign tourists remain in place at many Vietnamese casinos, including Hoiana near Hoi An, Ho Tram in Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province, and Corona on Phu Quoc, after the conclusion of the trial period allowing local participation.
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