Sports Betting in Vietnam
The sports betting market in Vietnam has evolved rapidly in recent years, driven by changing regulations, growing internet access, and strong demand from Vietnamese gamblers. While Vietnam maintains strict gambling laws, sports betting, online casino sites, and offshore bookmakers now play a significant role in the wider gambling industry.
Today, the Vietnamese market engages with both online gambling sites and limited offline betting options, creating a unique betting market shaped by regulation, demand, and workarounds.
Sports Betting in Vietnam: Legal Overview of the Gambling Industry
Vietnam is a rapidly developing country in Southeast Asia with a tightly regulated approach to sports betting and gambling. Vietnam gambling laws remain conservative, but sports betting is no longer entirely prohibited. The government has introduced a controlled legal framework that allows certain betting activities under strict regulations.
Legal betting in Vietnam for locals currently includes:
- Horse racing
- Greyhound racing
- Football matches approved by the authorities
These forms of betting are regulated by authorities and tied to specific operators. This approach reflects how the country balances economic opportunity with regulatory control in its gambling sector.
However, the limited scope of legal betting has pushed many locals toward offshore betting sites and online bookmakers. Despite legalization on paper, Vietnam betting sites operated domestically remain extremely limited, which is why most bets happen online through foreign casino gaming sites.
Gambling regulations in the country are designed to limit social harm while investing in controlled gaming activities under government oversight.
Land-Based Betting Sites for Legal Sports Betting in Vietnam

Compared to online gaming platforms, the land-based betting market remains small and tightly controlled. Vietnam allows limited land-based betting on specific sports under strict supervision. These legal activities are part of a controlled gaming framework designed to regulate gambling while minimizing social risks.
Land-based betting options within the country are restricted to approved venues and specific sports. Currently, Vietnamese locals can legally place bets in person on the following activities:
Horse Racing
Betting on horse races is one of the earliest forms of legalized sports betting in Vietnam. Bets are placed at approved racetracks and authorized venues, with operations monitored closely by local authorities. Only licensed operators are permitted to run horse betting markets, and wagers must follow government-approved formats and limits.
Greyhound Racing
Greyhound races are another legally sanctioned betting market in Vietnam. Betting is restricted to designated locations and approved operators. These venues operate under tight regulations, with clear rules on betting amounts, payout structures, and participant eligibility.
Approved International Football Matches
Vietnam also allows betting on select football matches, provided they are officially approved by the government. This typically includes major international tournaments rather than domestic or club-level leagues.
Betting must take place through authorized legal channels, and only one licensed operator may be permitted in the market at a time under Vietnam’s current regulatory model.
Best Vietnam Betting Sites: Online Betting Sites and Online Gambling in Vietnam

Online betting plays a dominant role in Vietnam’s sports betting market. While running online betting platforms and online casinos inside Vietnam is illegal, the Vietnamese market continues to bet online using offshore online gambling platforms licensed in other countries.
The best Vietnam betting sites attract Vietnamese punters due to:
- Wider coverage of popular sports
- Better betting markets
- Live betting and in-play betting options
- Competitive odds
- Lower minimum stakes
- Faster payouts of profits
- Popular payment methods, such as e-wallet options and the crypto market
- Better security
- Seamless experience without having to enter casinos or gaming hubs
Most Vietnam betting sites operate internationally and are not Vietnamese bookmakers. Because they are not managed inside the country, players technically operate in a legal gray area, but enforcement against individual bettors is rare.
Free Bets and Bonuses
Free bets and welcome bonus offers are common incentives used by many bookmakers to attract the Vietnamese market. However, players should always review:
- Qualifying bet conditions
- Wagering requirements
- Withdrawal rules
- Market and account exclusions
Understanding deposit and welcome bonus terms is essential to avoid issues when claiming winnings from an online gambling or online betting platform accessible in Vietnam.
Live Betting and In-Play Betting
Live betting has seen significant growth among punters in the Vietnamese market. In-play betting allows users to place wagers during matches and react to changing odds. This offers a more interactive and seamless experience.
The format is particularly popular for football matches, basketball games, and international tournaments. Live betting appeals to the younger market of punters who prefer mobile online betting platforms and instant odds updates.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Betting Sites and Land-based Options in Vietnam
Is using a VPN to bet online illegal in Vietnam?
VPN use is not explicitly illegal in Vietnam. However, misuse of VPNs for illegal activities may attract scrutiny. Many punters use VPNs to access most betting sites restricted by location and create online gaming accounts, but users should proceed cautiously and understand the security risks and rules involved.
Can I use Bet365 in Vietnam?
Access to this top bookmaker may be restricted in Vietnam. Availability depends on regional security policies and industry rules.
Can I use Sportsbet in Vietnam?
Sportsbet does not officially operate in Vietnam. Access to this sports betting site may require security workarounds.
What does market research say about Vietnam sports betting?
Deep dives into recent industry market research show that sports betting in Vietnam continues to grow despite strict regulations and limited domestic providers. Studies highlight strong demand in the Vietnamese market for a comprehensive list of features, including international sports, live betting, other casino games, such as poker, and mobile-friendly sites.
Despite strict regulations, the country continues to attract attention from international betting companies that are staying updated on opportunities to invest in the future. Offshore bookmakers dominate the market by offering wider sports coverage and live betting options to punters.









