Vietnam Eyes Raising Football Betting Cap to $380 a Day

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed a significant change to betting regulations, increasing the daily limit on international football wagers from $38 to $380 per person.

The draft decree suggests replacing the current ceiling of VND 1 million (around $38) per betting category with a single daily maximum of VND 10 million (around $380). The reform is part of a broader plan to update rules governing football, horse racing and greyhound betting, first introduced in 2016. Officials argue that the adjustment is necessary as Vietnam’s per capita income has grown nearly 1.8 times since the original law came into force.

The proposal would apply only to international football events recognized by FIFA or other international bodies, excluding matches organized by the Vietnam Football Federation. Bettors would need to be at least 21 years old and hold accounts with licensed operators, with all wagers and payouts processed through these accounts. The minimum bet would remain unchanged at VND 10,000 (about $0.38).

To control risks, the draft suggests that only one licensed operator will be permitted to manage international football betting during an initial five-year pilot phase. Authorities say this model will help ensure proper oversight and allow them to evaluate the social and economic impacts before expanding the market.

Supporters of the reform argue that a higher cap will channel demand away from illegal operators, strengthen consumer protection and boost state revenues, particularly through taxes. Critics, however, caution that the sharp increase could expose more citizens to gambling-related harm and stress the importance of strong safeguards to accompany the change.