Gambling laws in Vietnam
Gambling has been against the law in Vietnam for centuries, with strict penalties in place for those who violate the law. If caught gambling and losing or winning more than 50 million dong, an individual can be imprisoned for a minimum of three years and a maximum of seven years. This penalty applies to repeat offenders or professional gamblers as well. However, gambling is still quite common in Vietnam, especially during football matches, with millions of dollars being wagered. In the mid-2000s, it was estimated that Vietnam’s soccer betting market was worth around $1 billion annually.
According to recent news, the government is taking measures to encourage investment by allowing limited local play. A new decree has been issued which permits citizens to enter casinos if they can demonstrate a monthly income. However, local residents will have to pay an entrance fee of 1 million dong, and a Vietnamese citizen can only enjoy entrance into the casino for a period of three years. Furthermore, betting on horse and greyhound races is legal, and sports betting is allowed but remains heavily regulated under Decree Number 6.
How strictly regulated is gambling in Vietnam?
The regulation of gambling in Vietnam is strict, with only a limited number of legal forms of gambling allowed. The government closely monitors and regulates all legal gambling activities, including casinos and sports betting. However, there is still illegal gambling activity in the country, which is often associated with organized crime and can be subject to severe legal penalties.
Who grants gambling licences in Vietnam?
There are no legal casinos in Vietnam, and the government does not grant gambling licenses. However, there are a few high-end resorts that have been granted permission to offer gambling services to foreign tourists. These casinos are required to comply with strict regulations, and their operations are closely monitored by the government.
Betting in Vietnam
Online betting is a controversial topic in Vietnam, as it is illegal under Vietnamese law. Despite the ban, many Vietnamese still participate bet in Vietnam betting sites, both through domestic and foreign-based websites. The government has taken steps to crack down on online betting, including blocking access to certain websites and punishing those caught participating in illegal online betting activities. Enforcement can be difficult and online betting continues to be a popular activity in Vietnam.
There have been recent changes in the country’s betting laws, with the National Assembly passing a measure legalizing sports betting with government oversight on June 14, 2018. However, the related laws continue to limit betting opportunities, and it is important to note that any local person found betting in a casino can face imprisonment for three to seven years. In Vietnam, the most popular sport is football, followed by volleyball and table tennis. Basketball, tennis, and martial arts are also popular among Vietnamese sports fans.
Online casinos in Vietnam
While land-based casinos are not allowed in Vietnam, there are a few exceptions. For instance, the government of Vietnam wants to encourage investment in the country by allowing limited local play. The new decree permits citizens to enter casinos if they can show a monthly income. Additionally, Corona Resort in Phu Quoc, a luxurious property with physical casino availability, reported 105,200 visitors in 2019, out of which 45% were Vietnamese. Corona Resort’s revenue was $61.7 million, accounting for over 60% of the whole market.
Despite these exceptions, online casinos remain illegal in Vietnam, and there are no licensed online casinos operating in the country. Vietnamese citizens caught using online casinos may face imprisonment for five to ten years, according to the gambling regulations in Vietnam. However, many offshore online casinos continue to accept Vietnamese players. It is important to note that even the strictest laws do not apply to offshore gambling sites, and with the development of cryptocurrencies, it has become almost impossible to trace players from any country. Vietnamese players should exercise caution and use reputable offshore online casinos if they choose to gamble online. When it comes to popular casino games in Vietnam, baccarat is the most popular game among Vietnamese gamblers, followed by roulette and blackjack.
Online lotteries in Vietnam
Online lotteries are not legal in Vietnam, and there are no licensed online lotteries operating in the country. Vietnamese people enjoy playing traditional local offline lotteries, such as the Southern Lottery, the Central Lottery, and the Northern Lottery. However, offshore online lotteries continue to accept Vietnamese players. Vietnamese players should exercise caution and use reputable offshore online lotteries if they choose to gamble online.
Useful information for those who want to gamble and bet on sports in Vietnam
If you are a tourist in Vietnam and want to gamble or bet on sports, you should be aware that even the strictest laws do not apply to offshore gambling sites. These sites are not subject to Vietnamese laws and regulations, and they can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Online gambling can be risky and players should exercise caution when using offshore gambling sites. It is also important to note that today, cryptocurrencies are the fastest and safest way to pay for gambling on offshore sites. If you decide to bet on sports or play online casinos in Vietnam, there are some important points to keep in mind.
Firstly, although Vietnamese laws are strict, they do not apply to offshore gambling sites. This means that you can visit online casinos and sports betting platforms located outside of Vietnam without fear of legal consequences.
Second, with the development of cryptocurrencies, it has become almost impossible to trace players from any country. This means that using digital currencies like Bitcoin to fund your gambling accounts can help keep your transactions anonymous and secure.
If you want betting in Vietnam – check our ratings: Best Vietnam betting sites & Vietnam Betting Apps.
Where can I find help in Vietnam if I have a gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction can be a serious issue that can cause significant financial and personal challenges. If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling addiction, it is important to seek help.
Local resources, such as the Gambling Treatment and Research Center in Ho Chi Minh City, can offer support and assistance.
Gambling in Vietnam is still largely illegal, with strict laws and penalties in place. However, there are some limited options for local citizens to gamble, such as betting on horse and greyhound racing and visiting the Corona Resort in Phu Quoc.
Online gambling and offshore sites are also accessible to Vietnamese players, although caution and responsibility are advised. Overall, it’s important to be aware of the laws and risks associated with gambling in Vietnam and to seek help if needed.
FAQ about Gambling in Vietnam:
No, gambling in Vietnam is illegal and has been for centuries. However, there are some limited exceptions, such as some casinos and sports betting, that have been recently allowed by the government.
Under Article 248 of the Vietnamese constitution, individuals who are caught gambling (whether they win or lose 50 million dong or more) can face a minimum of 3 years imprisonment and a maximum of 7 years. The penalty is the same for both professional gamblers and repeat offenders.
Betting is only legal on horse and greyhound racing in Vietnam. However, there is a limited number of betting opportunities and betting is heavily regulated.
No, online casino is illegal in Vietnam. However, many offshore online casino are accessible to Vietnamese players, and it is difficult for the authorities to track and prosecute players.
Yes, Vietnamese citizens who gamble on offshore sites can be fined or imprisoned. However, the government has difficulty enforcing these laws.
Cryptocurrencies can offer some level of anonymity and safety for gambling in Vietnam. However, using cryptocurrencies for gambling is still illegal, and players can be prosecuted if caught.
There are some local services available to help people with gambling addiction in Vietnam, such as the Vietnamese National Center for Social Work and Management. However, these services are limited and may not be easily accessible for everyone.
Your review has been sent for moderation