Vietnamese players are not participating

Most Vietnamese residents have not implemented their right to participate at casino services yet, due to lack of guidance.

Vietnam.- Although the government of Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has allowed Vietnamese residents to enter casino venues since mid-March, local players have not massively embrace their new right. According to regional newspaper Lao Dong, Vietnamese citizens are not well-guided about the new measure, which would only last for three months.

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has showed interest in expanding the gaming industry with latest innovations on national laws, such as the legislation of sports betting and the pilot scheme for casinos. The plan has been implemented since the last two weeks and allows residents to participate at casinos services for three months, in order to evaluate a possible permanent legalisation.

However, the new measure has not taken effect, as Pham Ngoc Nam, deputy general director of Royal International Corp., told to the press. The owner of a Vietnamese casino in Halong City commented that the government had not released the formal requirements to implement the authorised participation.

The government’s resolution determined that only Vietnamese players over 21 years old and with a monthly income of US$400 would be able to gamble. But Nguyen Hoang Hai, deputy chair of the Vietnam Association of Financial Investors (VAFI) highlighted that several workers may find difficult to prove their income. “There would be no problem for employees to prove their income, but it would be difficult for businessmen and freelancers to do this,” he said.

“Many casino goers are self-employed and wealthy but unwilling to apply for income certificates,” added Pham Ngoc Nam. Meanwhile, casino operators are waiting for an official statement by the government in order to allow residents to enter. Companies expect the pilot scheme to accomplish the government’s target in order to operate a wider market.