Vietnam Updates Betting Rules: Sports & Casino Reform 2025
Vietnam is continuing to reform its domestic gambling rules, introducing changes that will impact how players engage with sports betting, particularly on international football.
Recent reports indicate that the Ministry of Finance is proposing a daily betting limit of VND 10 million (£314), up from the current cap of VND 1 million. While this appears to be a tenfold increase, the existing cap applies to each individual type of bet, which ranges from 10 to 15 options per international football match. Consequently, the new limit may actually be lower than what players can currently wager across all bet types.
The ministry justifies the proposed adjustment by noting that Vietnam’s per capita income has risen to roughly £3,500 and the new cap aims to curb excessive gambling. Additional draft regulations include a minimum age of 21 for account holders and a mandate that all transactions go through accounts with licensed operators.
Advertising rules are also set to be relaxed under the new decree, allowing businesses to feature logos and promotional content on their websites, something currently prohibited. Initially, the Ministry of Finance plans to grant market access to a single enterprise as part of a five year pilot program.
These adjustments to international football betting are part of broader reforms under consideration for Vietnam’s gaming sector. At present, gambling including casinos, online betting and sports betting remains largely illegal for local residents. However, pilot programs allowing Vietnamese players to gamble in certain casino venues are being extended for another five years.
The expansion focuses on the Grand Ho Tram and Van Don Integrated Resorts, with financial measures in place to ensure the viability of participants. Entry fees would include VND 2.5 million (approximately $100 USD) for 24-hour access and VND 50 million (around $2,000 USD) for a monthly pass. Final approval for the pilot program requires sign-off from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính and the Minister of Finance.
Previously, the Corona Resort & Casino in Phu Quoc served as the site for a trial allowing local residents to gamble. Though limited by COVID-19, the trial could pave the way for permanent inclusion of local players.
Industry Insight
Analysts note that Vietnam is emerging as a notable player in Southeast Asia’s gaming landscape. If reforms are implemented effectively, expanding both casinos and sports betting could drive significant economic benefits under Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính’s leadership. Compared with stalled initiatives in other countries such as Thailand, Vietnam has the potential to position itself as a competitive alternative to Macau as a regional gambling hub.
