Viet Nam

Exploring Vietnam's Unique Poker Scene and Gambling Laws

In Vietnam, poker has been growing in popularity, especially over the past decade, despite strict gambling regulations. Traditionally, gambling in Vietnam is highly regulated, with only a few casinos allowing locals to participate. Most poker activities are restricted to licensed casinos, and participation in home games and underground games is illegal. However, with a growing poker community and the rise of live tournaments, Vietnam has become an emerging hub for poker in Asia.

Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are now home to poker rooms and clubs that host regular tournaments, attracting both local and international players. Major international poker events, such as the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the World Poker Tour (WPT), have held successful series in Vietnam, further elevating its status in the global poker scene. Clubs like Saigon Poker Club and Win Poker Club are prominent venues that host daily cash games and larger tournament events, offering various formats like No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.

Overall, Vietnam’s poker scene is growing steadily, with the country becoming a major destination for regional poker events. The combination of international exposure and increasing interest from local players has transformed Vietnam into a key location for poker enthusiasts in Southeast Asia.

Online Poker in Viet Nam

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.

Best Online Poker Sites in Viet Nam

Crypto Friendly
CoinPoker
Independent

CoinPoker

4.8
RakebackFixed 33%
Bonus code
SMPBONUS
SMPBONUS
Casino Games
1Win Poker
Independent

1Win Poker

4.5
Bonus-
RakebackUp to 50%
Bonus code
SMPBONUS
SMPBONUS
Good for beginners
KKPoker
Independent

KKPoker

4.2
Bonus100% up to $1,000
RakebackUp to 50%
Bonus code
17157
17157

Live Poker in Viet Nam

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.

Google Map

Venues in Viet Nam

Bolton Poker Club
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHanoi
Phone+84 (94) 856 2394
Email
Corona Casino and Resort
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityPhú Quốc
Phone+84 (297) 222 8888
Email
Crown Poker Club
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHanoi
Phone+84 (976) 927 696
Dream Dragon Resort
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHai Phong
Phone+84 (225) 352 9999
Furama Resort Danang
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityDa Nang
Phone+84 (236) 384 7777
Global Poker Club
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityNha Trang
Phone+84 (258) 352 7777
Email
Golden Bay Hotel
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityDa Nang
Phone+84 (236) 3878 999
Email
Grand Loyal Poker Club
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHanoi
Phone+84 (24) 3835 3388
Email
Hanoi Hotel
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHanoi
Phone+84 (24) 3845 2270
Hoiana Casino
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityDuy Xuyên District
Phone+84 (0) 235 858 8888
Email
National Convention Center
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHanoi
Phone+84 (24) 3771 1111
Email
Website
Pro Poker Club HCMC
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHo Chi Minh City
Phone+84 (93) 185 16 61
Email
Website
Pullman Danang Beach Resort
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityDa Nang
Phone+84 (236) 398 8888
Email
Pullman Grand Hotel Hai Phong
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHai Phong
Phone+84 (225) 3246 888
Website
Royal Poker Club
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityDa Nang
Phone+84 (32) 632 5686
Saigon Poker Club
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHo Chi Minh City
Phone+84 (88) 900 64 64
Email
The Grand Ho Tram
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHồ Tràm
Phone+84 (254) 378 8888
Victorious Poker Club
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHo Chi Minh City
Phone+84 (28) 6653 8588
Email
Viet Tower Hanoi
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHanoi
Phone+84 (24) 3537 4811
Email
Win Poker Club
CountryViet NamViet Nam [VNM]
CityHanoi
Phone+84 (97) 473 868
Email

Events at Viet Nam

Viet Nam related news

APT Phu Quoc: Over US$ 4.1 Million in Paid Out; New Tour Mark Set

APT Phu Quoc: Over US$ 4.1 Million in Paid Out; New Tour Mark Set

Through 78 trophy events spanning ten days, APT Phu Quoc, held at the Corona Resort and Casino, a grand total of VND 104,420,824,349 (~US$ 4,111,055) were handed out to the winners coming from 47 countries and regions
last Monday at 2:20 PM
APT Phu Quoc: Hu Jinlong wins Main Event, Hauls Career High Payout

APT Phu Quoc: Hu Jinlong wins Main Event, Hauls Career High Payout

China’s Hu Jinlong took care of the last four eliminations enroute to claiming the Asian Poker Tour - APT Phu Quoc Main Event title along with the prestigious
last Sunday at 3:42 PM
Final 9 of APT Phu Quoc Main Event Set; David Erquiaga Leads The Way

Final 9 of APT Phu Quoc Main Event Set; David Erquiaga Leads The Way

The field has been whittled down 795 total entries to 50 contenders and now just the final nine as the battle for the  APT Phu Quoc Main Event title reaches
last Saturday at 11:10 AM
Vietnam Poker Games Releases Statement On VPG Ho Chi Minh Abrupt Cancellation

Vietnam Poker Games Releases Statement On VPG Ho Chi Minh Abrupt Cancellation

The Vietnam Poker Games hosting the VPG Ho Chi Minh at the Saigon Poker Room was canceled on its final day preventing the completion of the Main Event and the
11/13/2024
USOP Grand Finale High Stakes: Double the Thrills, Half the Fees

USOP Grand Finale High Stakes: Double the Thrills, Half the Fees

Are you ready to dive into the ultimate poker experience? This year’s USOP Grand Finale in Hai Phong brings a jaw-dropping promotion that high stakes players
11/12/2024
VPG Ho Chi Minh Main Event Draws Huge Turnout, 834 Entries And ₫12 Billion Prize Pool

VPG Ho Chi Minh Main Event Draws Huge Turnout, 834 Entries And ₫12 Billion Prize Pool

The overwhelming turnout at the ongoing Vietnam Poker Games (VPG) is proving just how much players missed live poker festivals in the city. Running since November 1, VPG Ho Chi Minh has been wall to wall action at the Saigon Poker Room
11/10/2024
Crown Poker Club to Host USOP Special Warm Up Week Ahead of USOP Grand Finale

Crown Poker Club to Host USOP Special Warm Up Week Ahead of USOP Grand Finale

Kicking off the USOP Special Warm Up Week at the Crown Poker Club in Hanoi, Vietnam is the VND 11 Million buy in Main Event which runs from the opening day of the series until Sunday, November 24 and features a stellar guarantee of VND 4 Billion.
11/07/2024
Vietnam Poker Games: First Winners Crowned in VPG Ho Chi Minh Stop

Vietnam Poker Games: First Winners Crowned in VPG Ho Chi Minh Stop

The return of a major live poker stop to Ho Chi Minh City is in full swing, as the Vietnam Poker Games (VPG) have kicked off at the Saigon Poker Room on
11/05/2024
One Day Away From VPG Ho Chi Minh, Huge Turnout Brewing

One Day Away From VPG Ho Chi Minh, Huge Turnout Brewing

Anticipation is high for the return of live poker in Ho Chi Minh City and making that happen is the Vietnam Poker Games (VPG) with the upcoming VPG Ho Chi Minh set to run November 1-11 at the Saigon Poker Club.
10/31/2024
Countdown Is On For USOP Grand Finale, The Biggest Poker Festival In Vietnam

Countdown Is On For USOP Grand Finale, The Biggest Poker Festival In Vietnam

In just one month's time, the U Series of Poker (USOP) will stage its 2024 USOP Grand Finale in Vietnam boasting its most lucrative festival guarantee yet, an incredible VN₫ 100 Billion which is a staggering 3.9 Million in USD!
10/29/2024
CapitalHanoi
Population92,700,000
CurrencyVietnamese đồng [VND] ₫
TimezoneUTC+07:00
Frequentlyaskedquestions

Poker is technically considered a form of gambling, which is highly regulated in Vietnam. While locals are prohibited from participating in most forms of gambling, poker is allowed only in licensed casinos and tournaments. However, home games and unlicensed games are illegal.

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