Key Moments:
- The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has recommended raising daily betting limits for football and horse racing to VND100m (US$3,800) per player.
- VCCI has also pushed for more flexible advertising rules and a reduction of operators’ fiscal obligations during the pilot phase.
- The proposed changes are included in VCCI’s response to a draft decree, which would introduce a five-year pilot program for international football betting under a single licensee.
Industry Pushes for Higher Betting Limits
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is advocating for a significant increase in Vietnam’s daily betting cap for both football and horse racing. Instead of the VND10m limit put forth in the draft decree, the VCCI has called on the government to allow players to wager up to VND100m (US$3,800) per day – a tenfold rise compared to the current proposal. This stance was highlighted in the chamber’s response to the draft regulation, which seeks to replace Decree No. 06/2017 and trial a five-year pilot for international football wagering overseen by one licensed operator.
Targeting Illegal Gaming and Promoting Responsible Play
According to the VCCI, raising betting limits is critical in attracting serious bettors and limiting the influence of unlicensed gambling sites. The organization pointed out that even with the draft’s VND10m cap, regulated platforms would struggle to compete against illegal markets. A higher VND100m threshold, the chamber maintained, would enhance the competitiveness of legal operators. To address concerns around player safety, the VCCI proposed stringent measures for identity verification, continuous financial oversight, and proactive risk management systems.
Advertising and Taxation Under Scrutiny
The VCCI further recommended easing restrictions on how operators can promote their services, especially on digital platforms like social media, search platforms, and mobile applications. The chamber argued that tough advertising limits only serve to steer users toward illegal sites. On tax policy, the VCCI cautioned against the current draft’s combination of a 10% budget contribution, a 30% special consumption tax, and a 10% value-added tax, which together would cost operators over 40% of gross gaming revenue (GGR). Instead, the chamber suggested lowering the government budget contribution to 5% during the pilot, providing room for the market to evolve before gradually raising rates.
Aiming for Equilibrium Between Expansion and Oversight
The VCCI’s submission reflects broader debates within Vietnam about how to modernize gambling regulation while ensuring social protections. The chamber’s materials stated,
“This is a reasonable level that allows businesses enough margin to survive and grow, while still ensuring state revenue. Once the market matures, the government can adjust contribution rates gradually. This flexible policy would encourage serious, long-term investment rather than short-term profit-seeking.”
The government’s response to these proposals in the upcoming months will play a crucial role in shaping the legal betting landscape and determining whether growth or greater regulatory caution will guide the future of Vietnam’s gambling sector.
| Policy Element | Draft Proposal | VCCI Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Betting Limit | VND10m per player | VND100m per player |
| Advertising Regulations | Restrictive (limited platforms) | More permissive (allow digital platforms) |
| Operator Fiscal Obligation (Pilot Phase) | Over 40% of GGR (10% budget + 30% special tax + 10% VAT) | 5% contribution, with gradual increases later |
- Author
Daniel Williams
