The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has unveiled a plan to allow Vietnamese gamblers to play at a casino in the southern province of Kien Giang.

The plan, which would serve as a pilot project at a casino in Phu Quoc Island, was presented to the Prime Minister for approval.

The Government lifted a ban prohibiting the entry of Vietnamese nationals to casinos last December. Vietnamese individuals over 21 years old who can show a minimum income of VND10 million (US$437) a month can now gamble in casinos.

The pilot project will last three years from the date of approval by the authorising body.

On March 1 this year, the ministry submitted to the Prime Minister a plan to construct a services, tourism, and entertainment complex with a casino in Phu Quoc Island.

The Kien Giang People’s Committee had earlier asked the Prime Minister in May to approve the pilot project to allow Vietnamese gamblers to play at the casino in the island.

The committee said permitting Vietnamese gamblers to play in casinos would contribute to the province’s socio-economic development and promote tourism in Phu Quoc. It would also help complete the framework of policies and regulations on casino businesses.

The investor of the Grand Ho Tram Strip resort and casino in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, which has a registered capital of US$4.23 billion, recently put forward a proposal to allow locals to play at its casino. — VNS