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Vietnam is preparing to revamp its casino pilot program for locals by replacing complicated financial capacity requirements with a straightforward entry fee system. The Ministry of Finance has put forward a proposal that would require Vietnamese citizens to pay VND2.5 million (US$100) for each 24-hour period of casino access, or alternatively, VND50 million (US$2,000) for monthly access.
According to VietnamNet, this proposal has already received approval from the country’s ruling Politburo and has been sent back to the government to establish the necessary legal framework. The plan represents a significant shift in casino policy, following the successful entry fee model that Singapore has implemented.
Problems with Previous Financial Verification System
The current approach has faced practical challenges that prompted this policy change. While existing regulations around the local gaming pilot program had shown effectiveness, difficulties arose when it came to verifying players’ financial capacity. Many individuals who had sufficient financial means found it challenging to provide the required documentation to prove their economic status.
The explanatory report that accompanies the latest draft of the new decree on casino operations highlighted these verification issues. As a result, the Ministry of Finance suggested the entry fee measure as a practical alternative that serves as a proxy means test. This approach aligns with international trends and addresses the documentation problems that plagued the previous system.
Continued Age and Exclusion Requirements
The new system would maintain several key restrictions from the previous pilot program. Vietnamese locals would still need to be at least 21 years old to participate, and they cannot be subject to any written exclusion requests from family members or themselves. These safeguards remain an important part of the responsible gaming framework.
Improved Surveillance Standards
Operators involved in the local pilot would be subject to stricter monitoring standards under the improved system. They would be required to install full 24/7 camera surveillance across all entrance and exit points, gaming spaces, the cage, and chip and cash storage rooms. Storage of all footage for a minimum period of 180 days would provide comprehensive record-keeping for regulatory functions.
Background on Vietnam’s Casino Pilot Program
Vietnam has been actively trying to restart its local pilot program at Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc, and potentially extend to other sites. The initial three-year pilot program began in 2019 but was cut short by the pandemic. After being tentatively extended beyond its initial period, the pilot was halted on January 1st of this year.
The country has spent recent months examining ways to restart this program, with the new entry fee system representing the government’s latest approach to making local casino access both practical and properly regulated.
Going Forward with Public Consultation
The proposal is now open for public consultation, which shows how the government is eager to gather opinions before finalizing the new framework. Through this democratic way, it allows the stakeholders and citizens to make suggestions regarding the policy changes before they are enacted into law.
The introduction of an entry fee system reflects Vietnam’s willingness to learning from experience in other jurisdictions and tailoring policies on the basis of practical experience. By streamlining the access conditions without sacrificing responsible gaming protections, the new system may offer a more practical solution for regulators and prospective casino patrons alike.
Source: Inside Asian Gaming (IAG)
