The Vietnamese poker community has seen the latest of numerous positive steps this week, as the coastal city of Nha Trang announced the opening of a new poker federation. This latest development is part of a poker turnaround in Vietnam which has followed several years of difficulties.
Nha Trang is a prime location for bringing in poker players, as there is plenty to do outside of the poker room, including diving trips. There are also numerous beaches and offshore islands to visit. The Federation will be working to ensure that regular poker events are hosted in this idyllic location, and that players enjoy their experience.
The Federation
The recently formed Federation has simple goals for Vietnam. Primarily, it hopes to organise international poker events and play a crucial role in the growth of the game in this area.
The Federation will have an official opening ceremony to signify its creation, which is expected to happen in the coming weeks.
Vice-Chairman of the organisation, Thanh Duy Pham (Denis Pham) took a moment to talk to Somuchpoker and told us:
“Poker is getting more and more popular in Vietnam. The Vietnamese authorities have recognized the fact that poker is a game of skill and locals can now legally play the game they love. This new situation is a game changer. Nha Trang is an ideal location for poker – The city is a touristic hub that can attract both international and local players”.
A favourable context
Recent news has almost entirely been positive for Vietnam. In August 2016 Somuchpoker reported on the first opening of a legal club for locals – Aces Poker. This establishment was the first to accept local players and ran a regular schedule of tournaments. Although that particular club is no longer running, several others have opened their doors, including Win Poker, which opened in April. This is part of a trend in Vietnam which has seen enthusiasm for poker rising steadily.
The stance of local authorities regarding gambling in general has become more favourable in recent times, which is reflected in the upcoming openings of casino resorts in Van Don District, and Phu Quoc Island (Southern province of Kien Giang), all of which will reap the rewards of a three-year period in which locals will be allowed to gamble and play all the games on offer at these resorts.
Recent indications and the arrival of the Nha Trang Poker Federation should further fuel the optimistic and well-founded belief in the local poker community that the best times are yet to come for the Vietnamese poker scene.
Read more: Vietnam lifts casino ban for locals under strict conditions
Article by Craig Bradshaw
