Vietnamese and Lao authorities broke up a cross-border cockfighting gambling operation at the Vieng Xay international cockfighting arena in Viengxay district, Houaphan province, Laos, arresting 205 people in coordinated raids on March 26, Thanh Hoa provincial police announced on April 241. Police said the ring was led by Dao Anh Dung, 47, of Ha Dong ward, Hanoi, and his wife, Quach Thi Hang1.
The arena was built at large scale specifically to serve Vietnamese gamblers, with dining areas, a canteen and multiple rest rooms on site1. The organizers collected a 5 percent commission on winning bets1.
Beyond in-person betting, the group ran a camera and livestream system on a website and Telegram groups so gamblers could bet online against the house1. Data extracted by investigators showed thousands of Vietnamese accounts took part in online gambling1. At four accounts run by the leadership group, more than 10,000 transactions worth over VND 150 billion were recorded1.
Seized items included more than 200 passports and travel permits and more than VND 200 million in cash1. Thanh Hoa police opened a criminal case and charged 196 suspects: 60 under investigation for organizing gambling and 136 for gambling, with 147 people held in custody1. Authorities said some of those involved also showed signs of illegally detaining people and robbing property1.
"Ngày 26/3, các mũi công tác đồng loạt tấn công, triệt phá toàn bộ trường gà, bắt 205 người."
What it means for players
The case shows that Vietnamese police pursue gambling operations run abroad when the customers are Vietnamese. Players who traveled from Vietnam to Laos to bet at the arena, and the thousands of account holders who bet through its website and Telegram groups, are within the scope of an investigation that authorities say is still being expanded1. The 136 people charged with gambling were among those present at the site, not remote account holders, based on what has been reported1. Whether online account holders will face questioning or charges has not been reported1.
For anyone gambling in Vietnam, the penalties guide sets out how organizers and players are treated under Vietnamese law, and the cockfighting guide covers how betting on the sport works in the country. Cockfighting is one of several traditional betting games covered in the Asian games overview, and the main Vietnam page explains where gambling is and is not permitted.
What happens next
The case is under expanded investigation, led by Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security and head of the special project1. No trial date or further arrest figures have been reported1.
