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Gambling and online casinos in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, which simultaneously combines tight regulation and a pragmatic approach to gambling.
Gambling is traditionally banned for citizens of the country, but since 2017 the government has been gradually opening up the market, allowing casinos for foreigners and pilot programs for Vietnamese.
At the same time, online gambling remains illegal, although in practice millions of users play on offshore sites.
Legislative framework
The main documents governing gambling are:1. Decree No. 03/2017/ND-CP (2017) - regulates the activities of casinos, allowing access to foreigners and Vietnamese under an experimental program.
2. Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP (2017) - legalizes betting on sporting events (football, horse racing, dog racing) under state control.
3. Penal Code (2015, amended 2017) - criminalizes participation or organization of illegal gambling, including online gambling.
Main provisions:- casinos are only allowed under a Treasury Department license;
- Vietnamese citizens can only play in casinos participating in the pilot program and with an income of over 10 million dong/month (~ $400);
- participation in illegal gambling entails a fine of up to 100 million dong ($4,000) and imprisonment;
- online gambling is officially banned, but the legal framework for its regulation is being prepared for introduction.
Casino industry
Vietnam has about 10 licensed casinos, aimed mainly at foreign tourists from China, South Korea and Japan.
The largest casinos in the country:- Corona Resort & Casino Phu Quoc is the first resort where Vietnamese citizens are allowed to play (pilot program since 2019).
- The Grand Ho Tram Strip (Vungtau) is the largest casino in the country, aimed at tourists from Asia.
- Aristo International Hotel (Laokai) is a popular destination for Chinese players.
- Donaco Lao Cai and Club99 Danang are high-turnover regional casinos.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the income of the gambling sector in 2024 exceeded $1.2 billion, while 15% of profits go to the budget through taxes.
Online gambling
Online gambling is officially prohibited in Vietnam, and in the Criminal Code it is equated with the organization of illegal gambling.
However, in reality, the online betting and casino market is actively growing, especially in large cities - Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
Real situation:- dozens of offshore sites accept players from Vietnam (1xBet, W88, Fun88, BK8, Parimatch, etc.);
- cryptocurrencies and electronic wallets (Binance, USDT, Skrill) are used for deposits;
- site blocking is carried out by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), but bypassed using VPN and mirrors;
- there are Telegram groups offering "local rates" and P2P transfers through ZaloPay and MoMo.
In 2023, Vietnamese police identified more than 3,000 cases of illegal online gambling sites with a total turnover of over $5 billion, including the largest Rikvip case involving more than 40 officials and 90,000 players.
Legal types of gambling
Despite strict restrictions, there are legal forms of gambling in Vietnam:1. State Lottery (Vietnam Lottery Company)
state monopoly;- 30% of income goes to social programs;
annual turnover exceeds $4 billion.
2. Sports betting (Decree 06/2017)
allowed only on officially licensed sites;- bets on international football matches, horse racing and dog racing are accepted;
rate limit - no more than 1 million dong (~ $40) per day.
3. Casino for foreigners
work at hotels 5;
the main contingent is tourists from China, South Korea and Japan.
Economic importance
The gambling sector is becoming a strategic source of foreign exchange earnings.
The government sees casinos as a way to attract investment and reduce capital outflows to neighboring countries (Cambodia, Laos, Philippines).
According to official figures:- more than 3 million foreigners visit Vietnam for casino tourism annually;
- licensed casinos provide more than 10,000 jobs;
- the budget receives over $150 million in taxes per year.
Social context
In Vietnam, gambling has long been considered a bad habit, contrary to socialist and Confucian values.
However, in recent years, attitudes have become softer: the state recognizes gambling as a part of tourism and a source of economic growth.
Nevertheless, there is strict control for citizens:- entering the casino with a passport;
- income verification;
- limitation of stay time;
- a mandatory Responsible Gaming system.
Fighting illegal gambling
Vietnam is actively fighting underground online gambling networks.
Police and cyber units regularly conduct raids and blockages.
In 2022-2024, the largest cases were solved:- Rikvip - turnover of $420 million, 92 convicts, including former officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- Tài Xỉu Network - more than 5 million users, used Telegram and MoMo;
- CryptoBet Group (2023) is a $1.3 billion cryptocasino network.
However, offshore platforms continue to operate, taking advantage of weak jurisdiction and growing demand.
Taxation and licensing
Development prospects
Vietnam is gradually moving towards partial legalization of online gambling and expansion of the casino industry.
Key areas of reform:1. Creation of a national license for online gambling under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance.
2. Expansion of the pilot project of citizen participation in casinos for 5 years.
3. Introduction of tax incentives for foreign investors in casino resorts.
4. Development of Responsible Gambling monitoring system and anti-laundering standards.
It is expected that by 2026, online gambling may receive limited legalization for regulated operators.
Vietnam is a country that combines strict laws and economic realism.
Although gambling for citizens is still limited, the government understands the potential of this industry and carefully opens the market.
Casinos bring millions of dollars in taxes, and the tourist flow is growing.
Online gambling is still illegal, but the demand for it is steadily increasing.
where gambling ceases to be taboo and becomes a tool for economic growth.
