All business activity at one of Vietnam’s largest licenced bricks-and-mortar casinos have been suspended following the conclusion of a government pilot programme.
The Corona Resort and Casino Phu Quoc, located on the island of Phu Quoc off the country’s southwest coast, first opened its doors in 2019 under the terms of a government-mandated pilot programme.
This pilot ends today, as of 1 January the casino will effectively close until the government in Hanoi reaches a decision regarding the future of regulated gambling in Vietnam. Corona Resort’s management is confident that it will return to full business.
Company leadership stated: “Corona Resort & Casino Phu Quoc firmly believes that, with proper adjustments, we will soon resume operations to serve our valued Customers and Partners comprehensively, continuing to build meaningful values in the future.
“Once again, we sincerely thank you for your understanding and valuable support during this transitional phase. We wish you health, happiness, and continued success.”
Gambling in Vietnam was illegal for many years with the exception of the state-owned lottery. However, the government began to ponder regulating and legalising the industry in a ‘phased approach’, largely to counter an extensive network of illegal gambling operations, often run by organised crime syndicates.
This has seen not just the opening of the Phu Quoc facility in 2019 but also planned openings of other casino venues. A notable development is underway in the Van Don district of Quang Ninh Province, for example, with plans to open a casino in 2032.
