HCMC seeks to allow Vietnamese over 17 into casinos

Ho Chi Minh City’s administration has raised up a proposal on tentatively allowing Vietnamese people aged at least 18 to gamble at casinos in hotels of 5 stars or more and in major tourist destinations.

The southern economic hub’s administration is of the view that such gambling on a trial basis would further promote the nation’s night-time economy. It submitted the proposal to the city’s National Assembly delegation on Tuesday.

Casinos in the country used to be for just foreigners. In early 2017, the government’s Decree 03 tentatively allowed Vietnamese aged over 21 to enter casinos. They must have a regular minimum income of VND10 million ($432) per month or pay an income tax of 15% on a salary of VND10-18 million, or even higher.

Despite the legal framework, Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc Island, invested by Phu Quoc Tourism Development and Investment JSC, is now the country's only facility that received government permission to allow Vietnamese citizens to gamble on a trial basis.

To further fuel tourism, the city has also proposed the National Assembly expand the country’s list of visa-free nations or implement e-visa policies, and extend the temporary stay for international visitors from 15 days to 30.

To develop the night-time economy, it proposed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issue preferential policies on taxes and fees. It wants karaoke, dancing, and bars at accommodation businesses of 4 stars or more to be allowed to open 24/7, and these services at lower levels to open longer than currently regulated.

The government’s Decree 54 rules that karaoke and bars open from 8 a.m. to midnight, while discotheques cease to operate between 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.

The city’s National Assembly delegation is due to submit the above-mentioned proposals to the country’s lawmaking body by the end of this week.