A senior official interviewed by media revealed recently that foreign investors financing the construction of casinos have been seeking amendments to a ban on locals gambling. However, Bui Quang Vinh, Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment stressed that the prohibition stays.
In an interview with local online media outfit, VnExpress, Minister Vinh said that the ban on locals gambling in casinos is non-negotiable.
"There have been many questions (about the ban), but this is stated in the law. Only investors who accept it can be let in."
Vinh added that while casinos help attract tourists and give the country's economy a boost, they have to be well-managed and regulated to ensure that only foreigners are allowed to gamble and that the local populace are barred from participating in any gambling.
Vietnam has been upping the ante recently in terms of casino investments. Last month, the northern province of Quang Ninh announced that it was seeking investment for a planned US$4 billion casino and resort complex.
According to Vinh, the proposal is currently under review by several ministers and that many officials pose no opposition to it.
