One of only two Vietnam casinos pegged to allow locals gaming could be one step closer to becoming a reality after the country’s Ministry of Planning and Investment submitted a report to the Prime Minister for development of the long-awaited integrated resort project in Van Don, Quang Ninh Province.
According to various local media reports, the US$2.18 billion IR – comprising a casino, high-end hotels and other tourism facilities – would be built on a 245-hectare site in Van Don, with completion expected by the second half of 2032.
Despite having not yet been built, the Van Don casino project was previously named as one of only two to take part in a pilot program under which locals are permitted to gamble provided they meet certain criteria. The other, Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc, opened in early 2019 but spent the majority of its initial three-year trial period under COVID conditions. The period has since been extended.
Looking to expedite development of the new Van Don integrated resort project, the Quang Ninh People’s Committee announced earlier this year that it hoped to commence a bidding process to develop and operate the facility by the end of this year, pending central government approval.
Reports claim the IR would operate for 70 years and generate estimated annual profits of VND8.16 trillion (US$335 million).