THE Stanley Ho-controlled joint venture set to open Vietnam's first casino next month is already pushing to open at least two more gambling resorts within two years.
Sources within United International Business (UIB) said the company was targeting sites near Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Hue with the Haiphong casino merely a ''strategic move''.
''We want to get as close to Ho Chi Minh as we can and as soon as possible,'' one source said, adding there were still no guarantees on China's future acceptance of gaming establishments in Macau.
''We will be talking to the Vietnamese Government and we hope nothing will offend them at Haiphong . . . we know they are exceptionally worried at any negative influence it will have on their society.'' He added the site was isolated from the city, while the pawn shops, brothels and loan sharks of the sort that dot Macau would be kept away from the latest venture to appease Vietnam's socialist masters.
Dices are due to roll next month for the first time since the 1975 communist takeover at the restored chateau complex at Do Son, 20 kilometres from Haiphong, the north's main port.
UIB hopes the initial seven tables, slot machines and 250-room hotel will make between US$30,000 to $50,000 a day from mainly Chinese, Taiwanese and Hong Kong businessmen, following start-up costs of $13 million.
Some 50 Vietnamese staff are now receiving final training. They will be the only domestic Vietnamese allowed inside. Overseas Vietnamese with passports will be allowed to gamble.