Initial results from local play pilots indicate a slight improvement in visitation and market sentiment, but the actual impact on revenues remains minimal. Tim Nguyen, director of Fortuna Investments, noted that the pilot's main importance lies in its policy direction—signaling Vietnam's willingness to test a domestic participation model under strict regulation. This cautious stance is further reflected in a draft decree by the Ministry of Finance, which proposes full identity disclosure for football and racing bettors to comply with anti-money laundering laws. Although it raises the daily international football betting limit from VND1 million to VND10 million (about $380), authorities have no plans for further increases, demonstrating a framework of cautious progress rather than full liberalization.

The early benefits of the local play pilot have been most visible in the mass market, with properties like The Grand Ho Tram and Corona Resort & Casino seeing increased activity in slots and mass tables. However, Scott Choi, head of external marketing at Lion Club, stated that the expected surge in sustained local demand has not materialized. Several structural limits hold the market back, most notably the strict income verification requirement that hinders spontaneous gaming, and heavy advertising restrictions that limit customer outreach. Furthermore, past trials showed that opening access alone is insufficient without addressing high accommodation costs and connectivity issues. Local operators also face stiff competition from online options and neighboring Cambodia, which offer fewer restrictions and more attractive value propositions. Since high-value VIP gamblers still prefer international options for privacy and higher limits, industry insiders expect Vietnam’s gaming sector to grow only gradually as a supporting component of integrated tourism development.