VNeID Verification Mandate Takes Effect
Vietnam’s casinos will be required to verify customer identities through the national VNeID application starting November 15, 2026. The mandate applies to prize gaming businesses, including casinos, electronic gaming venues serving foreigners, and betting operators. This shift is part of broader regulatory changes stemming from two government decrees focused on security, public order, and gaming oversight.
Under Article 13 of Decree 392/2026/ND-CP, issued on October 20, 2026, businesses must check customer personal information using either the VNeID platform or physical identity documents. While VNeID serves as an accepted digital alternative to paper documents, it does not replace the requirement to enter full customer details into a management register. Operators must also post house rules in both Vietnamese and a foreign language at their entrances and immediately alert police if weapons, explosives, or flammable materials are detected in gaming areas.
New Penalties for Ineligible Players
Stricter administrative penalties will take effect on December 5, 2026, under Decree 391/2026/ND-CP. Article 31 of this decree specifies that operators who admit individuals in breach of the law or fail to monitor entry and exit will face fines ranging from VND180 million to VND200 million. Individuals are fined half the amount of organizations for the same conduct.
Suspensions for these violations depend on the operator’s history. First-offence suspensions for entry breaches range from six to 12 months. Repeat violations result in suspensions ranging from 12 to 24 months. Additionally, operators failing to open registers, issue electronic entry cards, or maintain complete records face fines between VND130 million and VND150 million.
Security Staffing and Local Play Pilots
The new regulations also impact security staffing. Casinos and electronic gaming venues serving foreigners must source at least 30% of their security guards from licensed security service companies. This requirement aims to standardize professional oversight within high-stakes gaming environments.
These regulatory updates coincide with the expansion of local play in Vietnam. Resolution 8/2025/NQ-CP, issued in November 2025, paved the way for specific pilot programs. Eligible local residents may begin playing at the Phu Quoc casino project on November 26, 2025. Similarly, Ho Tram has a five-year pilot for local play starting on the same date. Van Don is set to receive a five-year pilot once it obtains its casino business certificate.
Operational Context
Most Vietnamese citizens remain barred from casinos, with access limited to eligible locals under the new pilot frameworks. The Grand Ho Tram is positioning itself around infrastructure improvements and this new local gaming access. Meanwhile, the owner of Corona Resort & Casino Phu Quoc reported narrowing its first-half loss to $8.1 million this year, reflecting ongoing financial adjustments in the market as regulatory frameworks tighten.
Why It Matters
Operators in Vietnam face immediate compliance obligations to integrate VNeID verification and update security staffing. Failure to adhere to these new identity checks and record-keeping rules exposes businesses to significant financial penalties and operational suspensions. The timeline also marks a critical shift as local play pilots begin at Phu Quoc and Ho Tram, altering the customer base and regulatory environment for these venues.
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