The final draft of the casino decree (\u2018Casino Decree\u2019) has been passed by the Ministry of Justice and Government\u2019s Office. It is now on the table of the Politburo for their comments, which are as always, the most important. It is expected that the Casino Decree would be issued on 1 July 2016. Nevertheless, there is no absolute guarantee on this prospect. This is because in order for a decree to become effective, it must be publicized on Official Gazette first and waits for a 15-day period from the first publication on the Official Gazette.
\nFor many reasons, the text of the Casino Decree has not been made public. The Ministry of Finance has been successful in keeping the draft Casino Decree under secrecy. Again, whether Vietnamese residents are permitted to enter casinos in Vietnam is a big question that may wait for decision of the highest level of Vietnam\u2019s political system.
\nRecently, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has proposed a draft decree that lists casino as a conditional business which is subject to license of the MPS with respect to social orders. A very interesting point is that the draft decree only prohibits Vietnamese from playing on gaming machines. It is important to note that no such prohibition is mentioned with respect to Vietnamese\u2019s playing in casinos. This may give a hint that Vietnamese may enter casinos if they are \u2018permitted\u2019. This fact corresponds to provisions of the new Penal Code that makes it very clear that only \u2018illegal\u2019 gambling is punished.
\nSo, though not 100% sure, more likely that Vietnamese may enter casinos and gamble but with specific conditions.
\nAt present, pending the issuance of the Casino Decree, all projects on casino are put on hold. we will follow up and keep you updated.
\n***
\nPlease do contact the author Oliver Massmann under omassmann@duanemorris.com if you have any questions on the above. Oliver Massmann is the General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC.
\nTHANK YOU!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The final draft of the casino decree (\u2018Casino Decree\u2019) has been passed by the Ministry of Justice and Government\u2019s Office. It is now on the table of the Politburo for their comments, which are as always, the most important. It is expected that the Casino Decree would be issued on 1 July 2016. Nevertheless, there … <\/p>\n