Penalties could increase for offenses
A proposal from the Vietnam government could increase the penalties for illegal gamblers. The move coincides with a push by some lawmakers for legal casinos in the country.
According to the Thanh Nien Daily, under the proposed new guidelines gamblers would face criminal charges only when they bet VND5 million (US$220) or more. The current level is VND2 million ($88) or more. However, though gamblers would have to bet more before they could incur criminal charges, the potential jail terms are longer, starting at one year behind bars, instead of three months. And when the bet value is more than VND50 million, offenders can be sentenced to at least three years.
Meanwhile, the finance ministry is urging the government to do away with the prohibition on gaming, and open legal casinos to Vietnamese residents of legal age. Gambling now is instead of limited to foreigners and to Vietnamese with dual nationality, the Daily reported.
“Why don’t we organize gambling activities in a more sensible and manageable way?” asked Pham Xuan Thuong, of the northern province of Thai Binh.
“Gambling has existed for a long time,” agreed Do Van Duong from Ho Chi Minh City. “As long as they have money, some people will gamble. We should not worry that gambling will lead to crimes, but think about how to manage gambling activities.”
Other lawmakers noted that Vietnam has forfeited a valuable revenue source by banning locals, who travel abroad to gamble legally.
