The Popularity of Gambling in Vietnam - Trends in Online Gambling

Overview of Online Gambling in Vietnam

Different forms of gambling existed in Vietnam even before the introduction of online games. Still played today, Bầu Cua Cá Cọp is one of the earliest games loved by gamblers in the country. This is a simple board game played with three dice, often during New Year celebrations in Vietnam. It’s also believed that merchants in the early 20th century played dice games with their customers. However, most forms of gambling have been prohibited in Vietnam for centuries. 

Online gambling is still considered illegal at a time when the global online gambling market size is increasing. The lottery was initially the only legal gambling option, but new regulations were introduced in 2017 to legalize selected forms of sports betting. Despite such restrictions, the nation’s gambling industry is gradually growing courtesy of offshore operators tapping into the online sports betting arena and offering top online casino experiences. Also, recent changes in gambling laws have made it possible for Vietnamese citizens to gamble legally in local hotel casinos.

Digital Transition: How Gambling Evolved in Vietnam

As a country in an Asian region where online gambling is prominent, Vietnam is gradually attracting the attention of major companies operating the top online casinos. According to a 2022 report by Grand View Research, the online gambling industry worldwide was valued at USD 63.53 billion in 2022. Moreover, economic growth and an increase in the number of people willing to spend on leisure activities will fuel growth in the Asian region.

According to an online gambling market report by TMG Research, Vietnamese online gamblers bet on sports, fantasy sports, card games, lotteries, slots, poker, and table games. These are rapidly growing gambling categories, not only in the country but across the globe. With key players investing in online casinos and sports targeting players in Vietnam, the country’s online gambling market is expected to grow tremendously. 

We must also mention that the majority of citizens own mobile devices with access to internet services. And many major companies operating in the casino gambling market are now utilizing software suppliers with a positive reputation, such as NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. They also use popular online payment gateways to facilitate safe online payments.

Legal Framework of Online Gambling in Vietnam

It’s important to know which Gambling Act or laws apply to online gaming before you begin gambling in Vietnam. The truth is that most types of online gambling in Vietnam are still illegal. The lottery was legalized towards the end of the 20th century, and the government has already tried to eradicate illegal forms of gambling by shutting down some gaming sites.

However, the government has introduced gambling laws intended to facilitate regulated online gambling and license land-based casinos. The legalization process began in 2017 with new gambling regulations in Vietnam legalizing games of chance. According to Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP, legal gambling activities in Vietnam include lottery and sports betting on international football matches, horse racing, and greyhound racing. 

On top of that, the new law allows Vietnamese citizens to visit hotel casinos that were initially reserved for foreigners. But you must be at least 21 years old and have a monthly income of over VND 10 million. The government also introduced a tax revenue collection scheme where locals have to pay an entry fee. Gambling site licensing is another issue faced by companies that wish to operate locally in Vietnam. For this reason, players often find it more convenient to explore offshore online gambling platforms. However, it’s crucial to prioritize operators that are duly licensed for a secure and legitimate experience. 

Public Perceptions and Awareness of Online Gambling

The absence of locally-licensed online gambling sites in Vietnam has not prevented members of the public from gambling online. Despite strict gambling regulations, those interested in the online sports category have been able to bet on sporting events, including the action-packed FIFA World Cup. Even before the inception of online gaming, gambling was still embedded in Vietnamese culture. For example, people in the country used to and still play the extremely popular dice game known as Bầu Cua Cá Cọp with family and friends. Many players in the country are also aware of the online version of Bầu Cua.

Allowing only tourists to gamble in local gambling destinations has not hindered gamblers from playing their favorite games at casinos. In fact, Vietnamese gamblers who feel restricted have been visiting places like Cambodia, Singapore, and Macau to gamble. Likewise, players with access to the Internet do whatever it takes, including using virtual private networks, to visit international online gambling sites for real money casino gaming and betting. 

Responsible Gambling Practices at Online Casinos in Vietnam

The government of Vietnam has put strict measures in place to regulate online gambling activities. For example, you must be at least 21 years old to visit casino hotels or bet on sports in the country. Moreover, those who want to gamble in brick-and-mortar casinos must earn at least VND 10 million per month and pay an entry tax. And they can only visit specific casinos that are regulated by the government.

The best international casinos accepting Vietnamese players also take the necessary steps to ensure you can gamble online in a safe and secure mode. These include using HTTPS and SSL encryption to provide a safe gambling environment and using secure online payment methods. Additionally, the top casinos are powered by trusted software providers in the online gambling market. This allows them to offer tested casino games that use random number generators. Moreover, the leading gambling operators provide responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, bet limits, and self-exclusion options.

Visit the Best Online Gambling Platforms for Vietnamese Players

Despite the legal issues surrounding the online gambling sector in Vietnam, you can still visit regulated casinos. Several trends have contributed to the notable market expansion in this industry, including the option to play casino games and participate in online betting on your mobile phone. Not only that, you can play the most common types of casino games for real money and transact using safe e-wallets, bank cards, and cryptocurrencies.

Since there are no locally-licensed casinos in Vietnam, the best option is to visit international gambling sites. Our curated list features the top-rated online casinos that cater to Vietnamese players. Just pick one and create an account to start gambling online. Don’t miss out on claiming your online casino bonus upon deposit to revel in bonus funds or free spins. And always remember to employ your preferred strategies to maximize your winning potential and to play responsibly.