Casino developers in Vietnam have voiced strong objections to a Government proposal to significantly increase casino entry fees, according to VnExpress.
The Ministry of Finance is gathering public feedback on a plan that would double the monthly fee to VND 50m (US$1,900) and raise the one-day pass to VND 2.5m. The aim is to reduce gambling participation among financially vulnerable citizens.
Ho Tram Project Company, operator of the Ho Tram Casino near Ho Chi Minh City, argued that the proposed fee hikes would be too steep for domestic patrons.
Instead of increasing existing prices, the company recommended introducing an annual ticket priced at VND 50m, which would effectively lower the monthly cost to around VND 4.2m. The operator said this structure is more aligned with Singapore, where a daily entry fee costs roughly VND 3m and annual passes run about VND 60m.
Both suggestions have been rejected by the Ministry of Finance, which insists that higher fees are necessary to curb excessive gambling.
The ministry said the pricing structure serves as a protective mechanism, even though the Ministry of Justice previously noted that entry fees are not a reliable indicator of someone's financial capability.
Vietnam currently allows locals to enter three casinos, including Corona Casino and Ho Tram Casino, following recent policy changes.
Corona Casino, the first venue allowed to admit Vietnamese citizens under a 2016 pilot program, reported that locals accounted for 52% of its visitors and 88% of its revenue over the past five years. However, domestic patronage has dropped sharply post-pandemic, falling to 12% last year.
As authorities consider additional regulatory controls, casino operators warn that aggressive fee increases could unintentionally undermine the viability of properties permitted to serve Vietnamese customers.
Corona Casino on Phu Quoc Island suggested capping the daily price at VND 1.5m and the monthly pass at VND 35m, which is 30-40% lower than the proposed levels
