Vietnam's government directed the Ministry of Public Security to focus on fighting crime, especially cybercrime, gambling and the organization of gambling in cyberspace, during the 2022 World Cup1. The instruction sits in Resolution 143/NQ-CP from the government's regular October 2022 meeting, reported by the government's policy portal on 11 November 20221.
"The Government requires the Ministry of Public Security to focus on preventing and combating crime, especially cybercrime and gambling, including organizing online gambling, during the 2022 World Cup."
The same resolution also tasked the ministry with traffic measures, including strict handling of drink driving and illegal street racing, particularly while the tournament runs1.
The tournament schedule cited in the report runs as follows1:
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Group stage | 20 November to 2 December |
| Round of 16 | 3 to 6 December |
| Quarterfinals | 9 and 10 December |
| Semifinals | 13 and 14 December |
| Final | 18 December |
Qatar plays Ecuador in the opening match at 23:00 on 20 November1.
What it means for players
The resolution is a law enforcement instruction, not a change to Vietnam's gambling statutes. It directs police attention toward online betting and the people who organize it during a period when betting volumes on football typically rise. The text names both gambling and the organization of gambling in cyberspace, so the stated target covers operators and organizers as well as participants. No specific penalties, arrest targets or named sites appear in the resolution or the report1. Vietnam's general legal position on online gambling and the record of player arrests in Asia are set out in our guides. For the domestic picture, see Can I gamble in Vietnam?.
What happens next
The resolution sets one dated follow-up: the Ministry of Public Security is to lead work with agencies and localities on a draft decree amending rules on paper household registration and temporary residence books, for the government to issue in December 20221. No further enforcement steps tied to the World Cup period are dated in the report1.
Sources1 sources
- Phòng, chống tội phạm đánh bạc trên mạng dịp World Cup 2022, xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn
