Vietnam has casinos, but they are primarily geared for international visitors or Vietnamese who have foreign residence documentation, in addition to their citizenship. Gambling in the country has officially been prohibited for decades, but the government is slowly legalizing some forms to reduce all the illegal activity.
Until the late 1990s, the only form of gambling in practice was the lottery, but since then, more types of game of chance have been established. Sports betting, poker, and slot machines are allowed to a degree, but not quite yet for locals.
Pilot Program for Locals
Originally, casinos were brought to Vietnam for tourists to spend their money. However, in 2019 Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance started a program as a test pilot to allow locals to play in certain casinos until 2024. The plan was originally for it to end in 2022, but the program was extended due to all the shutdowns from Covid-19.
Even though only a couple of casinos were open to qualifying Vietnamese residents, the government has a close eye on those participating to see how it impacts the local culture.
The only two participating casinos in this pilot program are The Corona Resort on Phu Quoc and a second casino managed by SunCity in Van Don. To be eligible to play at these establishments, Vietnamese locals need to be at least 21 years old, have a monthly income of $10 million Dong (USD $427), have permission from their family, and pay either a daily or monthly fee for casino entry.
Casinos in Vietnam
Currently, there are only around ten or so casinos in the entire country so far. The majority of them are only open to foreigners. Many of them are smaller spots located inside upscale hotels.
Electric table games, such as roulette are commonplace. Drinks are often served complimentary for playing customers. Remember to bring your passport to gain entry.
Grand Ho Tram Resort Casino Vietnam
Opened in 2013, Grand Ho Tram Resort Casino Vietnam has an incredible amount of gaming options. A few of the most popular ones include poker, slots, video poker, craps, backgammon, roulette, and more. There are about 90 tables and over 600 gaming machines in total. Additionally, there is a golf course, dining options, bars, and a fitness center on-site at this Vung Tau resort.
Ven Biển, Phước Thuận, Xuyên Mộc, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu | +84 1800 588801 | thegrandhotram.com
Club Royale Casino
Opened in 2004, the Club Royale Casino is located in Ho Chi Minh City and has an area of over 520 square meters/5,600 square feet. As far as gaming goes, roulette, poker, and arcade machines are offered on the floor. The facility has other amenities, including a spa, fitness center, bars, and lounges.
1 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh | +84 28 3822 1888 | facebook.com/clubroyale01
Caesar Palace Casino
Situated inside the Palace Hotel in Vung Tau, the Caesar Palace Casino has a few gambling options, including limited table games, gaming machines, and electronic poker tables. Also offered is “Baccaritto”, which is a game that has an in-person dealer, but digital results on personal screens. Additionally, the property has a bar that serves drinks and snacks.
Palace Hotel, 1 Nguyễn Trãi, Str, Thành phố Vũng Tầu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu | +84 254 3856 411 | palacehotel.com.vn
Palazzo Club Casino
Tucked away inside the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, the Palazzo Club Casino is a hotspot for wagerers with more than 100 gaming machines and a bet minimum of two cents (USD). Some of the games include poker, roulette, slots, arcade games, and more. The property also has a day spa, fancy restaurants, and a business center.
80 Dong Du, Ward, Street, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh | +84 98 168 03 37 | palazzo.vn
The Corona Resort Casino
Located on Phu Quoc Island, Corona Resort Casino is a beautiful property with a comprehensive arrangement of gaming options. A valid passport is needed to enter, and this is one of two casinos slotted to be a part of the pilot program for locals to gamble.
Ganh Dau, Phú Quốc, Kien Giang
Do Son Casino Resort
Don Son Casino Resort is a luxurious property in Hai Phong and home to 100 electric gaming machines and 16 tables. This casino first opened in 1996 and is built on 1486 square meters/16,000 square feet, but it also has other amenities like a spa, fitness center, and pool. Many games are offered here, including poker, blackjack, craps, backgammon, craps, roulette, baccarat, and more.
Thung Lũng Xanh, Vạn Hương, Đồ Sơn, Hải Phòng | +84 225 3864 888 | dosonresorthotel.com.vn
Charlie One Casino Club
Tourists like to come to Charlie One Casino Club for gaming options, lounge, food, and drinks. Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, and arcade games are just a few of the gambling options at this location in Hanoi (Hà Nội). Charlie One is open 24 hours a day and has a fitness center and spa on its property.
8 Đỗ Đức Dục, Mễ Trì, Từ Liêm, Hà Nội | +84 24 3855 1111 | charlieoneclub.com
Vegas Club Casino
Set in the Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Club Vegas Casino is open 24 hours a day and has about 892 square meters/9,600 square feet. Club Vegas first opened in 1959, making it one of the oldest casinos in Vietnam, and still has games with bets as low as $0.05 USD. Other games at this casino include ten card tables, slot machines, poker, roulette, and more.
19-23 Công Trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh | +84 28 3824 7140 | vegasegamingclub.com
Some of these casinos are located in hotels to give tourists easier access, but only time will tell to see if the Vietnamese government will loosen its grip on allowing natives to play games of chance or not.
Vinpearl Golf Club Phu Quoc
