Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed raising the daily limit for legal international football betting to VND10 million ($380), a tenfold increase from the current ceiling of VND1 million ($38), citing the nation’s rising per capita income.
The move, reported by local outlet VN Express, is part of a draft decree on horse racing, dog racing, and football betting intended to replace regulations introduced in 2017.
Under the draft, bettors would be allowed to wager up to VND10 million ($380) per day across all categories. This contrasts with the current framework, which permits VND1 million ($38) per betting category, often amounting to a higher total given that each match offers 10–15 categories such as scores, goals, yellow or red cards, and corner kicks.
The ministry noted that since 2016, Vietnam’s per capita income has increased by 1.8 times to approximately $4,700, justifying a higher betting threshold while still aiming to curb excessive gambling. The minimum bet would remain unchanged at VND10,000 ($0.38).
The proposal also introduces tighter conditions for participants. Players must be at least 21 years old, hold full civil capacity, and open an account with a licensed bookmaker. All transactions—including wagers, payments, and payouts—would be processed through these accounts to ensure identification and compliance oversight.
Limited scope of matches
Betting would continue to be restricted to tournaments and matches recognized by FIFA or international esports competitions. Typically, only four to eight international tournaments qualify each year, lasting 10–30 days. Industry stakeholders note that this narrow scope makes profitability difficult for operators due to high operating and licensing costs.
Licensed betting operators would be able to choose which categories to offer, from match scores to tournament rankings, in line with their business models and regulatory approvals. Copyrights for match schedules and results must be purchased from FIFA or affiliated bodies, excluding those organized by the Vietnam Football Federation.
The draft also proposes permitting online betting to account for time-zone differences and easing advertising restrictions, allowing licensed operators to display logos and promotional content on their websites.
Given the social risks associated with gambling, the ministry recommends piloting international football betting with a single licensed operator for five years. The government has recently intensified crackdowns on illegal betting networks with an estimated value of several billion dollars, reinforcing the urgency of providing a legal, regulated alternative. The report notes that analysts believe the reforms could reduce illegal activity, attract investment, and boost state revenues, while offering players safer, regulated betting options.
