Vietnam proposes five-year trial for international football betting

The Vietnamese government has proposed a five-year trial allowing international football betting, replacing Decree 06/2017/NĐ-CP. The trial could potentially follow a single-operator scheme, local media reports suggest.

Only companies with at least VND1 trillion (US$37.8 million) in charter capital would be eligible, according to a report from the Voice of Vietnam. Daily betting limits could increase from VND1 million (US$ 37.8) to VND10 million (US$ 378) per person, while the minimum stake remains VND10,000 (US$0.38).

Bettors would be required to open accounts with licensed operators, linked to verified payment accounts or e-wallets. All bets, transactions, and payouts must go through these accounts to ensure traceability and proper identification.

The draft also limits participation to individuals aged 21 or older who have full civil capacity.

Only matches and tournaments organised by the International Football Federation (FIFA) and its member associations would qualify for betting. Domestic competitions, including those under the Vietnam Football Federation, as well as electronic football contests, would be excluded.

At the conclusion of the five-year trial, the government would review the scheme’s performance to decide whether to legalise or terminate the international football betting business.

Proponents argue that a single licensed operator could help the state monitor activity, collect tax revenues, and reduce illegal gambling, while critics warn of risks to social stability and the need for careful oversight.