Vietnam Replaces Betting and Casino Penalty Rules From December 5

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang signed Decree 391/2026/ND-CP on October 20. The government’s announcement covers licensed betting on horse racing, greyhound racing and international football, alongside casinos and prize-winning electronic games for foreigners.

Maximum Fine Stays at VND200M

15M compared Decree 137/2021/ND-CP with Decree 391/2026/ND-CP. Both set the maximum fine at VND200 million (about $7,800) for organisations and VND100 million (about $3,900) for individuals. The dollar figures use the State Bank of Vietnam’s October 20 reference rate of VND25,639 per USD, reported by Vietnam News Agency.

The number of offence groups has changed, however. The comparison is as follows:

Area

2021 decree

2026 decree

Betting

17

17

Casinos

14

15

Electronic games for foreigners

14

15

AML and related offences

4

4

Total

49

51

The one-year limitation period for administrative penalties also remains in place. For an ongoing violation, the clock starts when authorities detect it. For conduct that has already stopped, it starts from the date the violation ended.

Shutdowns Get Separate Penalties

Articles 28 and 43 cover temporary closures and the resumption of casino and electronic gaming operations. Late notices about a shutdown or reopening can bring a fine of VND40 million-50 million ($1,560-$1,950). The same range applies when a notification leaves out required information.

The higher bracket concerns venues that continue operating after authorities have ordered them to stop, or during a suspension they have already reported to regulators. The fine is VND180 million-200 million ($7,020-$7,800).

Those violations also carry a further suspension of six to 12 months. Any profits obtained through the infringement must be surrendered.

The 2021 decree already dealt with businesses operating after their eligibility certificates were withdrawn or suspended. The new articles address another situation: a venue continuing to trade during a temporary closure, including one it had notified to the authorities itself.

Which Rules Apply After December 5?

Article 64 separates completed offences from those still taking place. If a violation ended before December 5, the rules in force at the time of the offence apply, even when the case is discovered or considered later.

A violation that started before December 5 and continues beyond that date falls under Decree 391/2026/ND-CP.