Online gambling in Vietnam
Background
The Vietnamese gambling landscape is not unlike many of the other Asian region countries – while casinos do exist they are out of bounds for locals and accessible only by tourists. In fact casino gambling options are quite common with all hotels rated four stars or above permitted by law to offer casino gambling – but only to holders of foreign passports.
This policy has produced a thriving business for casinos near the Vietnamese border like Cambodia’s Grand Dragon Resort, with visitors from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho comprising most of their players. The policy has also allowed (illegal) locally operated online casinos as well as those based in Cambodia to flourish. The reportedly popular King’s Crown Casino based in Cambodia, but with a well organised employee presence in Ho Chi Minh City, allowed Vietnamese residents to play online using cash deposits taken by collectors who actually visit customers’ doors to collect cash and distribute winnings.
But playing at unregulated casinos of questionable repute comes with risks. Complaints of impropriety, including money vanishing from accounts without play, or accounts not being opened despite cash funds being deposited were common.
The Ministry of Public Security has from time to time announced intentions to clamp down on operations like King’s Crown, but is by its own admission ill equipped to deal with the technological complexities of such operations and it may be some time (if ever) before any concerted efforts are actually made.
Current Regulations
Vietnam has regulations governing both land-based and online gambling. The key legislative framework includes:
- Decree No. 03/2017/ND-CP: This decree allows for the operation of casinos, but primarily for foreigners. Vietnamese citizens are allowed to gamble in casinos on a trial basis under strict conditions.
- Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP: Regulates sports betting, including football, horse racing, and greyhound racing, under stringent conditions. Only licensed operators can offer these betting services.
- Lottery Laws: Vietlott, the state-run lottery is one of the few legal gambling activities available to Vietnamese citizens.
- Penal Code: Prohibits unauthorised gambling activities, including online gambling. The government makes some efforts to block access to illegal online gambling sites and prosecutes offending operators.
With no locally regulated online casino industry, Vietnamese players wanting to play live dealer games must choose from Cambodian based operators of questionable repute, or well known international brands accepting Vietnamese players.
Vietnamese Roulette with Vietnamese dealers @ Stake
There are quite a few of these who treat Vietnam as a grey market. Perhaps due to the government’s protectionist stance and piecemeal enforcement attempts.
