Vietnam’s casino sector marked a significant regulatory milestone this week with the operational changes implemented at The Grand Ho Tram, one of the country’s flagship integrated resorts. The property confirmed that, in line with updated government regulations, eligible Vietnamese citizens can now legally access its gaming facilities, reinforcing the state’s gradual approach to opening casino play to locals.

Alongside the inclusion of domestic players, the resort has introduced a notable operational adjustment: all wagers on the mass gaming floor are now denominated in Vietnamese dong (VND). Until now, betting at the venue had been largely conducted in U.S. dollars, a common practice in casinos primarily serving foreign patrons.

“From 5 January 2026, eligible Vietnamese guests may access the gaming facilities at The Grand Ho Tram in accordance with regulations,” the company stated, adding that the currency conversion was carried out “in full compliance with government requirements.”

Regulatory Expansion and Market Implications

The move follows a government resolution issued on November 26, 2025, which extended and expanded Vietnam’s pilot scheme allowing qualified locals to gamble at selected casino resorts. The Grand Ho Tram had already confirmed its participation in the refreshed framework shortly after the resolution was announced.

By shifting to local-currency betting, the resort aligns its operations more closely with domestic regulatory expectations and removes a practical barrier for Vietnamese players. According to the operator, the change “ensures adherence to the applicable regulatory framework,” while also supporting transparency and oversight.

Located southeast of Ho Chi Minh City and controlled by U.S.-based private equity firm Warburg Pincus LLC, The Grand Ho Tram operates a 24-hour casino featuring a 5,000-square-metre gaming floor, approximately 90 table games and more than 500 electronic gaming machines.

Broader Casino Landscape in Vietnam

The Grand Ho Tram is not alone in Vietnam’s controlled experiment with locals’ play. The Corona Resort & Casino on Phu Quoc Island was previously authorized under a pilot scheme launched in 2019, although that program expired on January 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the Van Don Integrated Casino & Tourism Complex in Quang Ninh province has also been granted permission to admit economically qualified locals for a five-year period starting from the issuance of its gaming licence.

Looking further ahead, Sun Group is expected to fully open its US$2 billion casino resort at Van Don by the second quarter of 2032, signaling Vietnam’s long-term commitment to developing a regulated, high-end gaming and tourism sector.

Taken together, the latest developments underscore a cautious but clear evolution of Vietnam’s casino policy—one that balances regulatory control with the economic potential of domestic participation in the gaming market.