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Investors eye Vietnam & ASEAN in 2017

In mid-January 2017, Vietnam finally lifted its long-standing ban on domestic gambling, allowing Vietnamese locals to finally enter select casinos in the country.

The decree, which is said to come into effect on March 15, allows for Vietnam locals over 21 years of age, with a monthly income of at least VND 10 million (US$445) to enter approved local casinos.

The announcement is a monumental victory for the gaming industry in Vietnam and the wider ASEAN market, which is seeing new opportunities by the day.

“I'm happy to see that the Vietnam government has finally moved forward and is implementing a trial period allowing Vietnamese nationals into selected casinos within its borders,” commented Shaun McCamley of Global Market Advisors in an interview with AGB.

"There are huge opportunities in Vietnam in 2017 for local and foreign interests,” said Albert Climent of Bluesea Gaming. “Besides the massive integrated casino resort projects, hopefully by first half of 2017 a new horse racing and betting decree is expected to come out.... This will open up a whole new different spectrum of investment opportunities in the region, especially those related to horse racing and high street betting shops,” he said.

It’s a market that can not be ignored. By 2018, the country will see a total of 6 integrated resorts, 50 hotel electronic gaming lounges, and 7 small casinos for foreign tourists, and gaming rooms at departure level of the country’s 7 international airports, according to Professor Augustine Ha Ton Vinh.

This year, all three of our Vietnam industry experts will be speaking at the ASEAN Gaming Summit, held on 21-23 March, 2017 at the Conrad Manila in the Philippines.

In a panel discussion held on Tuesday, 21 March, our speakers will discuss strategies operators are exploring to attract Chinese, Thai and other VIP customers, as well as implications for investors and operators regarding the latest gaming decree.

Asia Gaming Brief is a news and intelligence service providing up to date market information for worldwide executives on relevant gaming issues in Asia.

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