Are you in Vietnam and looking to engage in gambling? Well, gambling in Vietnam is illegal and restricted to all nationals. However, Vietnamese citizens can still play in online casinos registered by foreign bodies and jurisdictions. In this article, we will discuss the Vietnam gambling laws and how they affect players in Vietnam.
Legal Restrictions in Vietnam
Vietnam has tough rules and restrictions when it comes to gambling. Most forms of gambling in Vietnam are illegal. Any gambling activities in Vietnam are taken very seriously. While it is an illegal activity, it has been happening for centuries whereby most luxury casinos are attached to high-end hotels. However, they are only available to foreign passport holders. Even when it is possible to cross the boarders and visit Laos or Cambodia for gambling, the option is not always a great one for most people. As such, most people find solace in online casinos.
Taking a closer look into the legalities, you realise that the governing authorities are more invested in the gambling that takes place inside the country but not outside. Most gamers can access offshore online gambling accounts and open an account using USD but with a Vietnam address. Even better, you can make deposits using the Vietnamese dong (VND) through your local bank transfers. Usually, the banks most workable for these transactions include the Asia Commercial Bank, DongA Bank, Vietcombank, and Sacombank.
What if You Want to Gamble Legally?
Players who want to gamble legally can indulge in the lottery. It is a widespread activity that began in 1999 and has attracted a huge following in the recent past. There are vendors throughout the country that sell tickets. Three major lotteries are operational in Vietnam: the Southern Lottery, Central Vietnam Lottery, and the Northern Lottery. Each option has other lottery subdivisions to the local levels.
Punishments for Gambling in Vietnam
Anti-gambling laws in the country are usually very tough and strict. Regardless of the amount of stakes or site you my gamble on, you can get very heavy penalties. While in the country, gambling carries the same amount of offence as blogging about politics online or passing religious materials on the web. All these offences are handled by a specific police division, and the penalties can range from small fines to non-custodial reforms.
Serious Offenses
According to Article 248 of the constitution, the penalty is a minimum of 3 years imprisonment and a maximum of 7 years for anyone found gambling (losing or winning 50 million dong or more). Any person found guilty for being a professional gambler or repeat offender will suffer the same penalty. Still, in the article, people sentenced under these serious offences can be fined between 3 million and 30million dong. Additionally, Article 249 has more offences for the involvement of illegal gambling for non-players.
Non-Custodial Reforms
Non-Custodial Reforms usually cover the probation and parole system. Usually, this is for minimal gambling crimes. As a convict, you must report and perform all the tasks at the designated institutions or authorities. Additionally, you are not to leave your district during this time. If you change your residence or employment place, you must alert your parole officer lest you further mess things up. Any violations of the parole or committing crimes during the reform will automatically culminate into a prison sentence. The Non-Custodial Reform will cover all gambling crimes under 2 million dong.
Online Casinos Open for Vietnamese gamblers
Playing in online casinos in Vietnam does not have to be difficult. You can find overseas casinos offering exemplary markets and betting opportunities for gamblers. You have to do your due diligence and check the licenses they hold, the casino’s fairness certifications, as well as the game providers that your selected casino uses. According to top10-casinosites.net, here are the top ten online casinos in Vietnam that you can sign up for and begin your gambling expedition.
- Dafabet
- Spin Casino
- Bet365
- MelBet
- Megapari
- BetWinner
- 888 Casino
- Parimatch
- 22Bet
- Slots of Vegas
Conclusion: What is the Future of Gambling in Vietnam?
While all these restrictions on gambling still exist, there have been other mixed reactions and opinions towards gambling in the country. Vietnam frequently has discussions on minimising the penalties surrounding the new forms of gambling. The same talks have been ongoing since 1995, but only this increased the penalties. Later, in 1999, the country legalised the lottery and intended to keep it like so. In 2009, the penalties were further clarified, and this was only seen as a stronger voice for the anti-gambling laws and not the gamblers. Other talks followed in 2013, and the idea to allow casinos locally operate was quickly subdued.
Following all these talks and discussions, things always get stronger for the anti-gambling authorities. Things are set to be the same even in future.