The Vietnamese government has given the green light for the Thien Ma - Madagui horse and greyhound racing track, polo club, and equestrian performance center project in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, the provincial administration said on Friday.

This approval from Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh includes the addition of a betting business for horse and greyhound racing. 

The project is located in Da Huoai District, approximately 110km from Ho Chi Minh City.

The Lam Dong People's Committee is responsible for land allocation, construction planning, and ensuring that the project aligns with urban development and tourism expansion strategies. 

The provincial administration was also tasked with closely monitoring the project’s implementation to ensure compliance with regulations and deadlines.

Deputy PM Binh emphasized that Thien Ma Madagui Racing Joint Stock Company must complete the construction of the racetrack before any consideration is given to granting a license for betting operations. 

The company was required to adhere to all investment, financial, and construction regulations, while also ensuring that betting activities comply with legal frameworks.

The project developer must present a detailed plan for organizing betting activities, including the deployment of advanced technology, operational safety, and security measures for the project area. 

Additionally, the developer must commit to supporting the local community as part of their corporate responsibility.

Thien Ma Madagui Racing Joint Stock Company began building a horse and greyhound racing track many years ago in Da Huoai District, Lam Dong Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Photo: M.V / Tuoi Tre

With a total investment of VND1.548 trillion (US$60.7 million), the Thien Ma - Madagui project is one of 12 key projects recognized by the Lam Dong People’s Committee in June last year, as part of the province’s development strategy for 2021–30, with a vision toward 2050.

The Thien Ma - Madagui project has been in partial development since 2011 but initially did not include betting services. 

After conducting 15 pilot race events, Thien Ma Madagui Racing Joint Stock Company halted all racing and betting activities on May 7, 2018, in compliance with existing regulations.

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