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A major shift is coming to Vietnam’s casino sector as the Grand Ho Tram prepares to open its gaming floor to local players for the first time.
Vietnam is taking another step in its slow and controlled expansion of domestic casino access. The Grand Ho Tram resort in Ba Ria-Vung Tau has confirmed that it has received permission to allow Vietnamese citizens to gamble under a five-year pilot programme. Until now, only one venue in the entire country – Corona Resort & Casino on Phu Quoc Island – has been allowed to accept local players.
The approval gives operators and investors a clearer signal that Vietnam may gradually widen entry rules, but only under tight financial and age restrictions.
Ho Tram becomes Vietnam’s second casino to accept locals
The move adds new competitive tension to a market where only one casino has ever been open to Vietnamese players.
Under the pilot scheme, the Grand Ho Tram casino will be able to accept locals aged 21 and above who meet financial requirements. Full details of these thresholds have not been disclosed publicly, but similar requirements at Corona include income checks and documentation to prove financial stability.
The development positions Ho Tram as a new domestic destination for Vietnamese gamblers, reducing its reliance on foreign visitors. The resort currently caters exclusively to international tourists and expatriates, despite being within driving distance of Ho Chi Minh City.
Major expansion ongoing at the resort
The approval comes as Grand Ho Tram moves through a large-scale development phase.
The resort is currently adding a 35-hectare extension that includes a five-star hotel, luxury villas, entertainment attractions and an international convention and exhibition centre. The expansion is backed by Lodgis Hospitality Holdings and VinaLiving, part of VinaCapital.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony was held with senior government officials, signalling strong institutional support for tourism growth in Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
More casinos may join the pilot
Vietnamese authorities are evaluating additional sites that may qualify for the same permissions.
A new integrated resort under development in Van Don is seeking approval to welcome Vietnamese nationals. The project, backed by Sun Group, is expected to open fully by 2032 with a budget of around US$2bn. If added to the pilot, Van Don would become the third casino in the country offering local access.
Corona Resort & Casino already has permanent authorisation to admit Vietnamese players, following positive assessments from the government’s initial pilot.
What this means for Vietnam’s market
Allowing locals into Ho Tram marks a strategic shift in Vietnam’s controlled gambling model.
The country has historically restricted casino entry to foreigners, aiming to manage social risk while still capturing tourism revenue. Expanding the pilot suggests that officials see economic value in a tightly supervised, limited-access scheme that serves both tourists and qualifying local players.
Operators will be watching closely to see whether performance at Ho Tram accelerates further reforms in the years ahead.
Source: Focus Gaming News
