Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed a major change to the country’s sports betting framework, recommending a tenfold increase in the daily limit for legal international football wagers—from VND1 million ($38) to VND10 million ($380). Officials argue the adjustment reflects the nation’s rising per capita income and the need to modernize outdated regulations.
Draft Decree to Replace 2017 Rules
The proposal forms part of a new draft decree covering horse racing, dog racing, and football betting, which would replace the existing framework introduced in 2017. Under the draft, bettors could wager up to VND10 million per day across all categories. Currently, the cap is VND1 million per category, but because each match typically offers 10–15 categories—such as scores, goals, or red cards—the total wagering amount can exceed the daily ceiling.
The ministry explained that per capita income has increased by 1.8 times since 2016, reaching about $4,700 in 2025. As a result, a higher limit is seen as reasonable, while the minimum bet of VND10,000 ($0.38) would remain unchanged to ensure accessibility.
New Conditions for Players
Alongside the higher ceiling, the draft introduces stricter participation rules. Bettors must:
- Be at least 21 years old,
- Possess full civil capacity, and
- Register an account with a licensed bookmaker.
Furthermore, all wagers, deposits, and payouts must go through these accounts, ensuring compliance monitoring and proper identification.
Narrow Betting Scope Still a Challenge
Betting would remain limited to tournaments and matches recognized by FIFA or international esports competitions. Typically, only four to eight tournaments qualify each year, each lasting 10–30 days. Industry stakeholders warn this narrow scope may hurt operator profitability, since licensing and operating costs remain high.
Licensed bookmakers would be able to choose which categories to offer, ranging from match scores to overall rankings, depending on their business strategy and regulatory approvals. They would also be required to purchase official match data and schedules from FIFA or affiliated bodies, excluding domestic events organized by the Vietnam Football Federation.
Online Betting and Advertising Reforms
To make betting more accessible across different time zones, the draft allows online participation, a shift welcomed by operators. Additionally, it proposes relaxed advertising rules, enabling licensed bookmakers to promote logos and content on their websites.
Pilot Program and Crackdown on Illegal Networks
Given the social risks of gambling, the Ministry of Finance recommends launching the reform through a five-year pilot program with a single licensed operator. Authorities emphasize that illegal betting networks—estimated to handle several billion dollars annually—pose significant risks to players and the economy.
Analysts suggest that a regulated betting framework could reduce illegal activity, attract investment, and boost government revenues, while providing bettors with safer, transparent options.
