Exploring Vietnam's Unique Poker Scene and Gambling Laws

Online poker in Vietnam

In Vietnam, online poker operates in a legal gray area due to the country’s strict gambling laws. While locals are prohibited from gambling at brick-and-mortar casinos, many international online poker sites still accept Vietnamese players. Popular platforms like PokerStars and 888poker are accessible to Vietnamese players, allowing them to participate in cash games, tournaments, and sit-and-go’s. However, it’s important for players to understand the risks associated with playing on unregulated platforms, as Vietnam’s government does not issue licenses for online poker sites and could potentially block access to foreign platforms in the future.

Despite these restrictions, the demand for online poker continues to rise in Vietnam, especially with the growth of poker tournaments and a vibrant community of local players. To safely engage in online poker, players are advised to use VPNs and e-wallets to handle deposits and withdrawals, as local banks may restrict transactions with gambling websites. For players interested in taking their skills to a live setting, major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi host frequent live poker events, further solidifying Vietnam’s status as a growing poker hotspot in Southeast Asia.

Live Poker Legislation in Vietnam

The laws of Vietnam are based upon the stakes (Article 248 and 249 of the Penal Code), with the first level concerning very small stakes and social gambling, which carries a punishment of a small fine and being essentially put on probation.

Being caught winning or losing between 2 million and 50 million VND (about $90 to about $2200) involves a more serious crime, where the fines go up, the probation is longer, and there is also a risk of jail time. Those sentenced to this must report to the relevant authorities as instructed. They must also remain in their district and report any change of residence and employment.

The third level is for those who have won or lost over 50 million VND (about $2200). There is a minimum of three years in prison for this one which can be extended to up to seven years, in addition to being fined 3 million to 30 million VND. This also applies if you are a professional gambler or have been found to be operating a gambling establishment.

Then again, these laws apply to cash games as well. More and more tournaments are taking place on a daily basis in Vietnam, especially in its major cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, not to mention international competitions such as the Asian Poker Tour, the Asia Poker League, and the World Poker Tour. Locals can participate in all these events now.

Live Poker Venues in Vietnam

You can find live poker in poker rooms & clubs throughout the country, but officially only as tournaments. Cash games remain illegal in the country. Clubs that do not respect this rule face serious consequences; with some having been raided by the police, catching both foreigners and nationals red-handed.

In 2018, the Asia Poker Tour was the first event organizer to host an international event in Vietnam that locals were allowed to join. The venue was the Pro Poker Club in Ho Chi Minh City.

Currently, the biggest live poker events still mainly take place at the same place, in Ho Chi Minh City at the Pro Poker Club. This venue has so far been the central point of this development with international poker festivals running almost every month.

However, other international events also started running in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang.

In June 2020, ironically in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the LUK Poker Room Phu Quoc in the Corona Resort Phu Quoc was opened at the first official poker venue where Vietnamese could play cash games.