Grand Ho Tram Casino Opens Doors to Vietnamese Locals Under New Regulatory Pilot

Vietnam’s Grand Ho Tram integrated resort has officially opened its casino to qualified Vietnamese citizens as of Monday, 5 January 2026, marking a major shift in the country’s tightly controlled gaming landscape. The resort confirmed that eligible local guests can now access the gaming floor in compliance with a refreshed five-year pilot programme authorised by the Vietnamese government, a move that broadens regulated domestic participation beyond foreign visitors.

As part of the operational changes, betting at the property has transitioned to Vietnam’s local currency, the Vietnamese dong (VND), replacing the prior emphasis on U.S. dollar denomination. This conversion aligns the resort more closely with the new policy framework and reinforces adherence to regulatory requirements designed to manage and supervise local gaming responsibly. 

The move comes after Resolution No. 307/2025/NQ-CP, adopted by the government in late November 2025, formally permits The Grand Ho Tram and the future Van Don integrated resort to accept Vietnamese nationals on a pilot basis for five years, subject to criteria such as age, income or fee requirements and responsible gaming safeguards. Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc has also been granted permanent ageing access for locals under the broader scheme, illustrating a phased yet notable openness to regulated domestic casino participation. 

Industry observers see this policy shift as a key step in Vietnam’s broader tourism and gaming regulation reform, replacing decades of “foreigners-only” restrictions with a structured pilot that balances economic development with strong social safeguards. The government’s framework includes requirements for entry fees or income thresholds and responsible gambling measures to limit problem play, part of the country’s effort to enhance oversight while tapping local demand under controlled conditions. 

Beyond regulatory compliance, allowing locals to play at Grand Ho Tram is expected to have broader economic implications. Analysts predict that opening Vietnam’s gaming floors to domestic participants could broaden the customer base and support integrated resort revenues, especially when combined with ongoing infrastructure development and connectivity improvements between Ho Chi Minh City and the southern coast. At the same time, authorities and operators continue to emphasise responsible gaming protocols and strict supervision as the pilot unfolds.