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Casinos in Vietnam
Vietnam’s gambling landscape is one of the most tightly regulated in Asia, but it is far more nuanced than a simple ban. While most forms of gambling remain restricted for locals, the country has developed a growing casino sector aimed at foreigners and international tourists, alongside a large offshore online gambling market accessed by Vietnamese players.
This guide explains how casinos work in Vietnam, who can legally gamble, where major casinos are located, and how online casinos fit into the legal picture.
Is Gambling Legal in Vietnam?
Under Vietnamese law, gambling is generally restricted. However, certain forms are permitted under strict conditions, including:
- State-run lotteries
- Licensed land-based casinos for foreign passport holders
- A limited pilot program allowing some Vietnamese citizens to enter specific casinos
Foreigners and Visitors
Foreigners can legally enter casinos by presenting a valid passport, as licensed casinos are primarily intended for international visitors. Once inside, bets are typically placed in US dollars rather than Vietnamese dong, which is standard practice across most land-based casinos.
Casino floors offer a diverse selection of games, including slot machines, roulette, baccarat, poker, sic bo, and other table games, providing an experience similar to major gaming destinations elsewhere in Asia.
Vietnamese Nationals
Under a government pilot program, Vietnamese nationals may enter casinos selected by the government if they:
- Are at least 21 years old
- Have no criminal record
- Meet a minimum monthly income requirement
- Pay an entrance fee or purchase a monthly pass
This access is limited to approved locations and trial periods only.
Famous Casinos in Vietnam
Vietnam’s casino landscape is relatively small but diverse, with each venue designed to serve a specific market under strict regulations. Most Vietnamese casinos operate within integrated resorts or international hotels and primarily cater to foreign guests. Northern casino developments are concentrated in areas such as Van Don and Quang Ninh Province, where the construction of large-scale resort projects has been approved to support tourism and foreign investment.
Alongside the well-known destinations, there are also other casino venues that offer more intimate gaming environments, often focusing on table games rather than large-scale slot halls. Together, these casinos provide a range of gaming experiences, from luxury resort-style entertainment to discreet city-based casino clubs.
Phu Quoc Casino, Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Casino in Phu Quoc Island is the most important gambling destination and home to the first casino that allows Vietnamese citizens to gamble under a pilot scheme.
Located near Duong Dong Town, the casino is easily accessible via Phu Quoc International Airport, making it convenient for both domestic and international visitors. Phu Quoc Casino is designed as a resort-style gaming destination, combining casino entertainment with accommodation, restaurants, and leisure facilities for a complete holiday experience.
Corona Casino Phu Quoc Island
Corona Casino Phu Quoc, part of the larger Corona Resort, is widely regarded as the most famous casino in the country.
It offers hundreds of slot machines and gaming machines, along with live gaming tables offering blackjack, baccarat, roulette, poker, sic bo, and other real-money games. Players can also play e-roulette, which provides faster gameplay and lower entry points.
Corona Casino Phu Quoc operates with a clearly defined bet structure, making it accessible to both casual visitors and high-rollers, all within an upscale environment integrated with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The casino sits close to Vinpearl Resort, safari park attractions, and family-friendly resort areas, making it appealing to both gamblers and non-gamblers.
Ho Chi Minh City Casino Clubs
Ho Chi Minh City does not have large resort casinos like Phu Quoc Island, but it does host several smaller casino clubs inside luxury hotels.
These venues focus primarily on table play rather than massive slot halls, catering to players who prefer a traditional casino atmosphere. Ho Chi Minh City casino clubs are geared toward international guests staying in five-star hotels, with gaming areas often reserved for visitors seeking a premium gaming experience. Access is typically controlled and limited to members or hotel guests, ensuring a more private and regulated gaming environment.
Vegas Club Ho Chi Minh City
Vegas Club is one of the best-known casino clubs in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a focused selection of table games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and dice games. The venue, inside the World Hotel, provides a controlled gaming experience within a hotel setting, appealing to players who prefer discretion and structure.
Compared to large resort casinos, Vegas Club is considered a quieter and more intimate alternative, making it popular among visitors looking for low-key, relaxed casino entertainment in the city.
Ho Tram Casino Complex, Vung Tau
The Ho Tram casino complex near Vung Tau is part of a major integrated resort development designed to attract international tourists. Highlights include large gaming floors with a wide range of table games and slot machines, a strong focus on foreign tourists, and its convenient proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, making it one of the most accessible resort-style casino destinations in southern Vietnam.
Vietnam Online Casinos
Running an online casino is illegal in Vietnam, and operators found doing so face strict penalties under Vietnamese law. Vietnamese players who access offshore online casinos exist in a legal gray area, as these platforms are licensed and managed outside the borders and fall beyond direct domestic enforcement. Vietnamese authorities occasionally block gambling websites, particularly those seen as targeting local players.
Despite these restrictions, online gambling continues to grow due to its convenience, excitement, a wider selection of games, and lower minimum bets compared to land-based casinos, making it an attractive alternative for many players.
Game Options in Online Casinos (Electronic Table Games, Slots, and More)
Vietnamese players commonly access:
- Online slot machines
- Live dealer baccarat, blackjack, roulette
- Poker and dice games
- Table games (electronic and traditional)
Many offshore platforms licensed in other parts of the world cater specifically to Asian markets and support local payment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vietnam have casinos?
Yes. Vietnam has more than 30 licensed casinos, mainly inside resort complexes.
Does Hanoi have casinos?
Hanoi does not have large resort-style casinos within the city itself. Most casino gaming is concentrated in resort destinations such as Phu Quoc, Ho Tram, and Van Don.
Can tourists gamble in Vietnam?
Yes. Foreign tourists with valid passports can legally gamble in licensed casinos and casino clubs. Many international tourists plan casino visits between January and March, when weather conditions are more favorable, and resort occupancy is highest.
How does gambling in Vietnam compare to Thailand?
Vietnamese gambling laws are often compared with those in Thailand, where almost all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited, including casinos and most types of betting. Unlike Thailand, Vietnam permits regulated casino gaming for foreign nationals and, under strict conditions, for some Vietnamese citizens through approved pilot programs.
This difference is why some Thai locals choose to cross borders into neighboring regions—such as Vietnam, Singapore, or Cambodia—to access legal casino gaming.
