Heavy Sentences Befall Group Caught Illegal Gambling in Vietnam

In light of recent sentences that had befallen the group arrested during a raid, it is clear that Vietnamese authorities will not tolerate any further illegal gambling in Vietnam.

According to online gambling news in Vietnam, 44 individuals who were nabbed during an illegal betting ring raid have been given heavy sentences by the Ho Chi Minh City court. The betting scheme which is connected to Philippines-licensed online gambling site M88 has led to jail time sentences for 30 individuals among the group and suspended sentences for the remaining 14 who wagered with them.

However, alleged betting ring leader, Tran Hau Chi, continues to remain at large while his son who was arrested alongside the group received a total of nine years imprisonment for illegal gambling in Vietnam. It was reported that over VND 1,4 trillion (USD 61,77 million) has been previously sent to M88 through 22 bank accounts over a period of 18 months before its gang members were arrested in 2014.

Vietnamese Authorities Consider Options to Help Put An End to Illegal Gambling in Vietnam

Despite efforts from local authorities to consider the option of a state-run betting option, it is still illegal to bet on sports in Vietnam. Nonetheless, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has instructed the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance to amend its legislation which will allow specific types of wagering options under a state-run system.

To date, Vietnamese gambling laws still only allow players to gamble legally in government licensed casinos. Any other form of gambling is considered illegal and violators are subjected to heavy sentences of a large fine or severe prison sentences or both.