The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance has asked local casino establishments to equip their venues with a working camera system for the ministry to properly supervise their operations.

The casino has paid VND1.73 trillion ($71.74 million) in taxes to the state coffers over the last three years.

Vietnamese would be allowed to go to Phu Quoc Casino under a pilot program until the end of 2024 instead of this year-end if a proposal by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) is approved.

Because of the impact of Covid-19, revenue from casinos and attendance at casinos have declined. All nine casinos reported losses for 2021, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

Investors have asked for permission to establish a casino in the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist area (Da Nang city) and another in the Hon Tre island service, tourism and entertainment areas (Khanh Hoa province).

The Ministry of Finance has issued a circular guiding the implementation of some articles of the Government’s Decree No. 121/2021/ND-CP on business in prize electronic games for foreigners in Vietnam.

The HCM City People’s Committee has asked to allow it to open casinos at 5-star hotels, admitting people aged 18 or higher who have sufficient behavioral capacity and financial capability.

Already facing many difficulties, plus the impact of Covid-19, casinos in Vietnam are operating at a loss.

In preparation for a full reopening of international borders, some Vietnamese provinces are proposing to build brand new casinos in an attempt to lure in new tourists after years of economic uncertainty in the tourism sector.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has proposed the Government extend the casino pilot program until 2024 due to the impact of the pandemic and add two casinos in Da Nang City and Khanh Hoa Province to the trial list.

Three localities have proposed new casino projects and to pilot allowing Vietnamese people to play.

The latest report of the Ministry of Finance to the Government has reflected the results of casino business activities of nine firms in Vietnam.

Da Nang and Khanh Hoa have received support for their casino projects, but Binh Thuan has no support from the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

The Government has issued Decree No. 121/2021/ND-CP on business in prize-winning electronic games for foreigners in Vietnam.

The Khanh Hoa provincial authorities are seeking permission to develop a casino project on Hon Tre Island in Nha Trang City.

Because of strict regulations, Vietnamese may feel uneasy if they visit casinos in Vietnam.

Casinos are considered a ‘sensitive business’ in Vietnam. Though regulations have been loosened, they are still very strict.

The Ministry of Finance has proposed amendments to the decree about casino businesses to create favourable conditions for investors.

Since 2013, the state budget has collected VND1.9 trillion a year from casinos and prize-winning electronic games.