Vietnam Approves $2 Billion Van Don Casino Complex
The Van Don integrated resort, a highly anticipated development on Vietnam's northeast coast, is set to revolutionise the country's gambling and tourism sectors. With an estimated investment of $2 billion, the project will span over 244 hectares within the Van Don Economic Zone, Quang Ninh province [1][3][4].
The resort, scheduled for completion in nine years, will be developed in three phases under a 70-year license granted by the Vietnamese government [1][3][4]. Approximately 182 hectares will be dedicated to core facilities such as a casino, luxury hotels, villas, tourism services, parks, and water features [1][2]. Environmental regulations mandate that 62 hectares of forest land remain untouched to preserve local ecosystems, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development [1][2].
The resort will offer world-class amenities, including luxury casino gaming, hotel resorts, convention centers, vacation villas, sports facilities, and various water-based leisure activities, aiming to attract both international visitors and high-income Vietnamese tourists [2]. Notably, the casino will operate a pilot program allowing Vietnamese citizens to gamble, a significant shift from previous policies [2]. Eligibility criteria for local participation will be strict to regulate access.
The project is projected to generate approximately $326 million in annual revenue, contributing significantly to state coffers and local economic growth [1]. It is also expected to create substantial employment opportunities, supporting the government’s broader strategies to stimulate infrastructure development and tourism-related job creation in special economic zones like Van Don [5].
The approval of the Van Don integrated resort reflects Vietnam’s evolving approach to casino legislation, balancing economic liberalization with strict regulatory oversight [5]. The pilot program for local gamblers, while innovative, remains subject to ongoing evaluation by authorities [5]. The Politburo and Prime Minister’s Office continue to play a central role in shaping gambling policies, ensuring that expansions align with national development goals while mitigating social and legal risks [5].
Integrated resorts, such as Van Don, inherently raise concerns regarding financial crime risks, including money laundering [5]. Vietnam's cautious regulatory approach and phased implementation suggest awareness of these vulnerabilities and a focus on strict compliance and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard the sector [5]. The emphasis on sustainable and controlled expansion implies that authorities will likely implement robust anti-financial crime measures as part of licensing and operational oversight, a critical factor for the project’s long-term viability.
In summary, the Van Don integrated resort is a landmark development expected to boost Vietnam’s gambling and tourism industries through world-class amenities, regulated local access to casinos, and sustainable environmental practices. It is expected to generate substantial economic benefits and employment while advancing Vietnam’s gradual liberalization of its casino market within a tightly controlled political and regulatory framework. However, careful management of regulatory and financial crime risks will be essential to maximise positive outcomes [1][2][3][5].
It is worth noting that the Van Don project is one of the few places in Vietnam where locals will be permitted to gamble (if final policy approval is granted). The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has identified gaps in cross-border information sharing and limited supervision capacity, particularly concerning organised crime syndicates [6]. As the Van Don integrated resort moves forward, it will be interesting to observe how the Vietnamese authorities address these challenges and ensure the long-term success of this ambitious project.
References: [1] Vietnam Briefing. (2023). Van Don Casino Project: A $2 Billion Integrated Resort in Vietnam. Retrieved from
The Van Don integrated resort will feature a casino as part of its world-class amenities, marking a significant shift in the casino-and-gambling sector of Vietnam. The resort's casino games, a key attraction, will operate under a pilot program, allowing eligible Vietnamese citizens to gamble, reflecting the casino-culture that is being integrated into Vietnam's tourism industry.
