Gamblers Crack Down on Cops?

Violence ensues as police raid illegal gambling operation.

Three police officers were attacked by vicious gamblers during a raid on an illegal gambling den in the northern port city of Hai Phong, police reported. At roughly 10 pm on January 22nd the officers stormed into the underground Vietnamese poker rooms, which was currently occupied by roughly 20 gamblers.

While attempting to arrest the men several of them went after the officers with bricks, wooden clubs and shovels. The assault only stopped when one of the officers fired a pistol into the air to warn them.

The three officers, Le Van Quyet, Le Van Hung, and Hoang Cong Tru were able to subdue the violent crowd after calling in backup. Ten people were brought into custody on gambling charges.

Vietnam’s “no locals” policy

Vietnam has become a popular gambling destination, mostly due to its beautiful seaside landscapes. But according to Vietnamese gambling laws the casinos are open only to foreigners. Many locals turn to underground gambling dens or cross the border into Cambodia for entertainment.

Illegal gambling is seen as a major social problem by the authorities. While the current approach is for the authorities to raid gambling operations, the state has indicated that it may consider opening casinos to locals on a limited basis.