How Many Casinos in Vietnam?
Introduction: The Rapidly Expanding Gaming Map
Vietnam, a country once known for its strict prohibitionist stance on gambling, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last decade. As we navigate through 2025, the nation has emerged as one of the most exciting, albeit complex, gaming markets in Southeast Asia.
The answer is not a simple digit. To accurately determine the Number of Casinos in Vietnam, one must peel back layers of legal definitions. Are we counting the massive, multi-billion dollar Integrated Resorts (IRs) with live dealers and 5-star amenities? Or are we including the dozens of "E-Gaming Clubs" tucked away inside luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi?
If you are looking for a definitive guide to the gaming landscape of Vietnam, you have arrived. This article will not only provide the total count but will map them out, explain the legal distinctions, and analyze why the Number of Casinos in Vietnam is a figure that is carefully controlled by the central government. We will explore the grand halls of Ho Tram, the pilot programs of Phu Quoc, and the vibrant electronic clubs of Saigon.
By understanding the Number of Casinos in Vietnam, you gain insight into the country’s economic strategy: a delicate balance between boosting tourism revenue and maintaining social order.
Part 1: Defining the Count – The Two Tiers of Gaming
To understand the Number of Casinos in Vietnam, we must first clarify what constitutes a "casino" under Vietnamese law. The Ministry of Finance separates gaming venues into two distinct categories.
1. The Integrated Resorts (Full Casinos)
When most people ask about the Number of Casinos in Vietnam, they are thinking of these. These are large-scale developments that possess a full casino license.
Features: They offer live dealer tables (Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker), hundreds of slot machines, and luxury hotel facilities.
Requirement: Since Decree 03/2017, new licenses for these venues require a minimum capital investment of $2 billion USD.
The Count: As of late 2025, there are nine (9) operational casinos of this caliber.
2. E-Gaming Clubs (Slot Halls)
If we were to include these in the total Number of Casinos in Vietnam, the figure would triple. These are smaller venues located exclusively within 5-star hotels.
Features: Strictly electronic gaming machines (Slots, Electronic Roulette, Electronic Baccarat). No live dealers are permitted.
The Count: There are approximately 25+ licensed E-gaming clubs, mostly concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Therefore, the total Number of Casinos in Vietnam (including both tiers) is roughly 35 to 40 legal venues. However, for the purpose of this deep dive, we will focus heavily on the major Integrated Resorts, as they represent the true "casino" experience.
Part 2: The Northern Region – Border Gaming and Coastal Luxury
The geography of Vietnam dictates the distribution of its gaming centers. The northern region holds a significant portion of the Number of Casinos in Vietnam, primarily designed to serve tourists crossing the border.
1. Aristo International Hotel (Lao Cai)
Located right on the border with China, Aristo is a veteran in the industry.
Significance: It was one of the first to capitalize on cross-border traffic. While not as glitzy as the newer coastal resorts, it remains a staple in the Number of Casinos in Vietnam due to its strategic location.
Experience: Focused heavily on Baccarat, catering to a specific clientele who prefer efficiency over resort luxury.
2. Royal International Gaming Club (Ha Long Bay)
Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, this casino offers a unique proposition.
Significance: It allows tourists to combine a scenic cruise with gaming. However, it has faced stiff competition recently, fluctuating the effective Number of Casinos in Vietnam that are profitable. It remains a key landmark for visitors to the bay.
3. Phoenix International Club (Bac Ninh)
Located just outside Hanoi, Phoenix is a massive entertainment complex.
Significance: It serves the expatriate community and foreign investors working in the industrial zones of Northern Vietnam. It contributes to the Number of Casinos in Vietnam by offering a convenient escape from the capital, where full casinos are absent.
4. Van Don (Quang Ninh) – The New Giant
This is the most talked-about addition to the Number of Casinos in Vietnam.
The Pilot Program: Van Don is one of the selected sites for the pilot program allowing Vietnamese locals to gamble (alongside Phu Quoc).
Scale: Developed by Sun Group, this is not just a casino but a tourism ecosystem with an airport and cruise port attached. Its opening significantly boosted the prestige associated with the Number of Casinos in Vietnam.
Part 3: The Central Region – The Danang & Hoi An Hub
Central Vietnam has rapidly become the "Las Vegas strip" of the country. If you are tracking the growth of the Number of Casinos in Vietnam, this is where the construction cranes are most visible.
5. Crown International Club (Danang)
For years, this was the mysterious giant.
Significance: Located on the beautiful My Khe Beach, Crown International is arguably the most profitable venue in the entire count of the Number of Casinos in Vietnam. It caters almost exclusively to high-net-worth individuals flying in on private charters.
Vibe: It is private, exclusive, and high-stakes. It is less of a "resort" and more of a serious gaming hall.
6. Hoiana Resort & Golf (Quang Nam)
Just south of Hoi An lies Hoiana, a multi-billion dollar integrated resort.
Significance: Hoiana represents the modern era of the Number of Casinos in Vietnam. It features a world-class golf course (Robert Trent Jones Jr. design) and a stunning aesthetic that blends Vietnamese heritage with modern luxury.
Target: It aims to rival Macau's Cotai Strip properties, drawing players from Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
7. Club 99 & E-Gaming in Danang
Danang also hosts a high concentration of E-gaming clubs (like Club 99 in Furama Resort).
Part 4: The Southern Region – The Heavyweights
The south is home to the country's economic engine, Ho Chi Minh City, and the paradise island of Phu Quoc. The venues here are arguably the most famous contributors to the Number of Casinos in Vietnam.
8. The Grand Ho Tram Strip (Ba Ria - Vung Tau)
Located two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Tram is the granddaddy of Vietnam's Integrated Resorts.
Significance: It was the first to bring a true "Vegas-style" experience to the country. When discussing the Number of Casinos in Vietnam, Ho Tram is the benchmark for quality.
2025 Status: With the recent inclusion in the pilot program for locals, Ho Tram’s traffic has surged, solidifying its place at the top of the list.
9. Corona Resort & Casino (Phu Quoc)
This is the most important venue in the history of Vietnamese gaming law.
The Pilot Pioneer: Corona was the first casino legal for Vietnamese locals to enter.
The Complex: It sits within the "Phu Quoc United Center," a massive complex of theme parks, safaris, and hotels.
Impact on the Count: Corona proved that increasing the Number of Casinos in Vietnam accessible to locals could be done safely and profitably, paving the way for future expansions.
Part 5: The "Invisible" Numbers – E-Gaming Clubs in Major Cities
If you are in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you might wonder why there are no big casinos on the list.
The Law: The government does not allow full casinos (with live dealers) inside major city centers to prevent social issues.
The Alternative: Instead, the Number of Casinos in Vietnam is supplemented by E-gaming clubs.
Locations:
Hanoi: Charlie One (JW Marriott), Winner’s Club (Hanoi Hotel), Stardust (Melia).
HCMC: Vegas Club (Caravelle), Palazzo (Sheraton), Club V (Pullman).
These venues are crucial. While they don't have table games, they generate massive revenue and serve the thousands of expats and tourists in the cities. They are a vital, often overlooked, part of the Number of Casinos in Vietnam.
Part 6: Why is the Number So Limited?
Compared to Cambodia (which has over 100 casinos) or the Philippines, the Number of Casinos in Vietnam (9 major ones) seems small. This is intentional.
The Strategy of "Quality Over Quantity"
The Vietnamese government actively suppresses the Number of Casinos in Vietnam to ensure only serious investors enter the market.
Capital Barrier: By demanding a $2 billion USD investment, they filter out small, "fly-by-night" operators.
They want huge resorts that drive tourism, not small gambling dens. Social Control: Limiting the Number of Casinos in Vietnam makes it easier to regulate the industry and police money laundering.
The Impact of Decree 03/2017
This decree effectively froze the Number of Casinos in Vietnam for small players. It mandated that a casino must be part of a larger tourism complex. You cannot just build a casino; you must build a destination. This policy ensures that every addition to the Number of Casinos in Vietnam contributes to the national GDP through hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, not just gambling losses.
Part 7: The Pilot Program – Changing the Demographics
The most significant factor influencing the future Number of Casinos in Vietnam is the local pilot program.
The "Vietnamese Only" Criteria
Currently, the pilot program operates at Corona (Phu Quoc) and, as of late 2025, Ho Tram and Van Don.
Conditions: Locals must be 21+, prove income of 10 million VND/month, and pay an entry fee.
Why it Matters: If this pilot is deemed a total success, the government might authorize more existing venues to accept locals. This wouldn't necessarily change the physical Number of Casinos in Vietnam, but it would drastically change the accessible number for 100 million citizens.
Part 8: Economic Impact of the Current Count
Why does the government care about the Number of Casinos in Vietnam?
Tax Revenue: Casinos pay a heavy luxury tax (excise tax) of 35% on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).
The current Number of Casinos in Vietnam generates trillions of VND annually for the state budget. Job Creation: The nine major resorts employ tens of thousands of staff. Increasing the Number of Casinos in Vietnam is a direct strategy for reducing unemployment in provinces like Quang Nam and Ba Ria - Vung Tau.
Retention of Currency: By allowing locals to play at Ho Tram and Corona, the state captures the money that previously flowed to Cambodia.
Part 9: Future Projects – Will the Number Rise?
As of 2025, several projects are in the pipeline that could increase the Number of Casinos in Vietnam.
Knollwood (Cam Ranh): A long-stalled project that has seen renewed interest.
Ho Chi Minh City Proposal: There have been aggressive proposals to allow a massive Integrated Resort in HCMC (likely in the Can Gio area), but this remains debated.
The Ceiling: Analysts believe the government is comfortable with the Number of Casinos in Vietnam hovering around 10-12 major IRs. They do not want to become a "gambling hub" like Macau; they want to be a "tourism hub" with gambling amenities.
Part 10: A Player’s Guide to the Venues
If you plan to visit, understanding the Number of Casinos in Vietnam is less important than understanding the rules of the venues.
Currency
Despite being in Vietnam, the gaming floor usually operates in USD or uses chips denominated in USD. This is because the industry was originally designed for foreigners.
Passport Control
Because the Number of Casinos in Vietnam accessible to locals is so small (only 2-3), strict passport control is enforced at every single venue. You cannot enter without a physical passport.
Dress Codes
Resorts (Ho Tram/Hoiana): Smart casual.
City Clubs (Caravelle/Sheraton): Relaxed, but no sleeveless shirts.
VIP Rooms: Strict formal wear often applies.
Part 11: The Competitors – Vietnam vs. The Region
To understand the Number of Casinos in Vietnam, look at the neighbors.
Cambodia: Has 100+ casinos. Quantity over quality.
Singapore: Has only 2 casinos (MBS and Sentosa). Quality over quantity. Vietnam is modeling itself after Singapore. The government wants the Number of Casinos in Vietnam to be low, but the quality to be world-class. This strategy attracts high-value tourists rather than budget gamblers.
Part 12: Analyzing the Search Intent
Why are you searching for the Number of Casinos in Vietnam?
Investors: You are looking for saturation. The market is not saturated. There is room for growth, specifically in the north.
Tourists: You want to know if you can gamble anywhere. The answer is "No, you must find specific licensed zones."
Locals: You want to know if the ban is lifted. The answer is "Partially, at specific pilot locations."
Part 13: The E-Gaming Sector Deep Dive
We must acknowledge that the Number of Casinos in Vietnam is bolstered by the E-gaming sector. These clubs are highly profitable.
Technology: They use RFID roulette wheels and server-based slots.
Taxation: They are taxed similarly to full casinos.
Accessibility: For a tourist in District 1, HCMC, these are the only accessible option. Therefore, for the average tourist, the effective Number of Casinos in Vietnam is actually the number of 5-star hotels with licenses.
Part 14: Conclusion on the Count
So, what is the final number?
Major Integrated Resorts: 9
Licensed E-Gaming Clubs: ~25
Pilot Casinos for Locals: 3
The Number of Casinos in Vietnam is a fluid figure, dictated not by demand (which is huge) but by legislation. The government turns the tap on and off to control social impact.
Part 15: Safety and Regulation
Is it safe to play? Yes. Because the Number of Casinos in Vietnam is so small, the scrutiny on them is intense.
Fair Play: Machines are audited.
Security: These venues are some of the safest places in the country, heavily guarded and monitored.
Payouts: Liquidity is guaranteed by the $2 billion capital requirement. You don't have to worry about the casino running out of money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Number of Casinos in Vietnam expected to double by 2030? It is unlikely to double. The government's strategy is "slow and steady." While new projects like Van Don and potentially Can Gio will increase the count, the high capital requirement ($2 billion) acts as a natural barrier. The government prefers expanding existing resorts rather than dramatically increasing the total Number of Casinos in Vietnam.
2. Does the Number of Casinos in Vietnam include online gambling sites?
No. Online gambling is strictly illegal in Vietnam. There are zero licensed online casinos. When we discuss the Number of Casinos in Vietnam, we are referring exclusively to physical, brick-and-mortar establishments regulated by the Ministry of Finance. Accessing offshore online sites carries legal risks.
3. Why is the Number of Casinos in Vietnam for locals so small compared to foreigners?
The government views gambling as a "social evil" that can lead to debt and crime.
4. Where is the highest concentration of casinos in Vietnam? Geographically, the Central Coast (Danang and Hoi An) has the highest density. Between Crown International, Hoiana, and the various E-gaming clubs in Danang's resorts, this region contributes significantly to the total Number of Casinos in Vietnam. It is often called the "gaming hub" of the country.
5. How does the Number of Casinos in Vietnam compare to Singapore?
Vietnam has a higher number of venues (9 vs 2), but Singapore's revenue is much higher. Singapore's two casinos (Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa) are massive global icons.
Conclusion
In 2025, the answer to "How many casinos are in Vietnam?" is a reflection of the country's broader ambition. With nine major Integrated Resorts and dozens of electronic gaming clubs, the Number of Casinos in Vietnam is sufficient to serve a booming tourism industry but restricted enough to maintain social control.
From the misty mountains of Lao Cai to the sunny beaches of Phu Quoc, the gaming map of Vietnam is diverse. Whether you are tracking the Number of Casinos in Vietnam for investment purposes or simply looking for a night of entertainment, the landscape offers world-class options.
The growth of this number will be slow, calculated, and tied directly to the nation's economic goals. For now, the existing venues stand as beacons of luxury, offering a secure and thrilling experience for those eligible to enter. As the pilot programs evolve, the effective Number of Casinos in Vietnam for the local population may change, marking the next great chapter in this unfolding story.
