The Asian Poker Tour (APT) canceled the last two days of the APT Hanoi Billions in Vietnam on Friday 8 December 2023 amid allegations the series was being held in breach of local gambling laws1. The event was eight days into its scheduled 10-day series at the National Convention Center in Hanoi when the APT announced the cancellation of all remaining tournaments on 9 and 10 December, with players still involved or who had already paid entry fees to receive full refunds1.
Police visited the National Convention Center on Friday looking for the owners and associates of the APT's local partner, VSOP Entertainment Company1. It is unclear who they spoke to or what was said, but it appears the police threatened to return the following day1. Local media reported Friday that this followed a citizen's complaint sent to the Hanoi People's Committee accusing VSOP Entertainment Company of organizing Bridge and poker tournaments without full approval1. This is despite the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports having reportedly sent written permission to VSOP on 13 November agreeing to allow the event to go ahead1. IAG sources said they believed VSOP only had one of two necessary permits to run the event1.
The APT did not explain the reasons for cancellation, stating only that the decision "has not been made lightly" and is "rooted in extenuating circumstances that have arisen, ones that, despite our utmost efforts, we are unable to overcome"1.
"The safety and well-being of our players and staff are of paramount importance to us, and we must prioritize these concerns above all else."
Concerns were also raised around the event's links to online poker site Natural8, which ran online satellites to the event and was listed as an event sponsor, with signage and logos clearly visible throughout the venue1. Natural8, the Asian-based affiliate of GG Poker, is not a legal entity in Vietnam1. The APT was aware of concerns earlier in the week and had tried to address them1.
| Day | Action taken by organizers |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Told players all remaining mixed games were canceled and only flop games were allowed to be dealt1 |
| Wednesday | Stopped accepting buy-ins using international currency1 |
| Thursday | Removed all Natural8 signage and merchandise stands from the venue, or covered logos1 |
Rumors circulated that APT staff had fled Vietnam in the hours after the police first visited, but the APT confirmed to IAG that this was not the case and that staff were still on the ground as of Saturday1. Others told IAG that one of the reasons the series was suddenly canceled was because the APT could not guarantee the safety of its staff and players if the series had continued1.
What it means for players
Vietnam's rules on poker tournaments turn on permits held by the local organizer, not on the international tour brand on the banner. In this case the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports reportedly gave written permission to VSOP on 13 November, while IAG sources said VSOP held only one of two necessary permits1. Players at a Vietnamese event therefore have no way of confirming from the outside whether the full set of approvals is in place, and a series can be stopped while it is running.
The cancellation came with full refunds for players still involved or who had already paid entry fees1. Anyone who traveled to Hanoi for the final two days, or who bought in through online satellites run by Natural8, faces costs and arrangements that the refund does not cover; the sources do not say whether any compensation beyond entry fees was offered.
Natural8 is not a legal entity in Vietnam1, which matters for players who qualified for the live event through its online satellites rather than paying at the venue. For the general position on who may gamble in Vietnam and under which rules, see Can I Gamble in Vietnam? and Gambling in Asia for Expats and Visitors.
What happens next
No next steps have been reported. The sources do not say whether the police returned to the venue, whether VSOP or the APT face any action, or whether the APT plans further events in Vietnam.
