Vietnam has moved to block widespread betting in the black market through the launch of a pilot program that allows citizens over 21 years place bets in regulated events.

Vietnamese citizens can now engage in soccer betting and horserace bets as efforts to crackdown on illegal gambling dens and online betting sites proved abortive.

The country maintained a long time ban on gambling but recently announced the move to ease the regulations. The plan is to build facilities around the country so interested people can place bets. For soccer betting, Vietnamese can only officially place bets in FIFA-recognized international games with a maximum wager of $45.

The move would limit Vietnamese citizens that were fleeing the country to place bets in Cambodian casinos, the government said.

“Changes in Vietnam gambling laws will lead to increased competition for Cambodia’s casinos and will likely affect local businesses. Cambodia’s casinos have been typically operating without much immediate regional competition. Continue reading →