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Vietnam has quickly become an important player in the Southeast Asia digital economy, particularly with iGaming, or online gambling, casino, and lottery activities, which have gained traction recently. Vietnam’s relatively young population, which is increasingly tech-savvy and has access to the internet and smartphones, has created an enabling ecosystem for digital entertainment and gaming services.
Decree 147/2024 and the ongoing changes to the gaming laws in Vietnam show the government has dual goals that impact both the market and the competitive environment: stimulate economic growth through gaming development in Vietnam while providing consumer protection and attention to social responsibility issues. The adjustments are changing the competition in Vietnam’s iGaming ecosystem, opening opportunities for greater engagement with the Vietnamese market for local and international participants and stakeholders.
Table 1: Key Statistics
| Metric | Value (2024/2025) | Projection (2029/2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Size (iGaming) | US$1.2–1.66 billion | US$2.4–2.5 billion |
| CAGR (2025–2033) | 9.77–10.8% | |
| Popular Game Genres | Action, RPG, Sports | |
| Average Daily Playtime | 2.5 hours | |
| Top Mobile Titles | Free Fire, PUBG Mobile | |
| Special Consumption Tax (Casino) | 35% of gross gaming revenue | |
| Corporate Income Tax | 20% | |
| Age Limits (Online Gaming) | Under 18: Max 3 hours/day |
Market Overview
Market Size and Growth
The iGaming market in Vietnam—including online gambling, casinos, and lotteries—is a growing sector that benefits from favourable demographics, technology adoption, and changing entertainment habits. Total gaming industry revenue is forecasted to be US$1.66 billion by 2025 and is expected to climb to US$2.42 billion by 2029, representing a strong (9.77%) compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Within this structure, online gambling is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% between 2025 and 2033, with increasing Internet access, smartphone usage, and other advanced gaming technologies.
Table 2: Vietnam iGaming Market Size and Growth Forecast
| Year | Market Revenue (USD Billion) | CAGR (%) (Forecast Period) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1.2 | — | Base year market valuation |
| 2025 | 1.66 | 9.77% (2025–2029) | Projected revenue |
| 2029 | 2.42 | — | Market size projection |
| 2033 | 2.5 (broader gaming market) | 10.8% (online gambling) | Online gambling segment forecast |
Sports betting makes up a large portion of this area, with a market valued at about USD 515 million in 2024, expected to more than double to USD 1.12 billion in 2033 (8.1% CAGR). These figures show rapid sector growth and a developing part of Vietnam’s digital economy.
Major types of games available
Vietnam’s iGaming market is dynamic and is reasonably wide-ranging in terms of common game types:
- Casino Games: By far the most common games are slot machines, followed by table games such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and poker. Most casinos also have VIP rooms and a good number of gaming machines.
- Sports Betting: Football betting is the main product where sports betting exists; this is true in Vietnam, but in particular markets (e.g., the UK), if there are major international tournaments, then there is more money wagered on football betting than all other sports combined.
- Lottery: There is an increasing online lottery, and we expect this product to fully launch in the near term as digital platforms become more generally available and accessible.
- Other Segments: This includes poker, bingo, and social gaming and indicates a diversity of participation and interest from players as they adapt to the changing environment.
Casinos in Vietnam tend to be backed by major hotels and resorts in popular tourist spots, including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc Island, mostly for foreign tourists. The only mechanism by which a local citizen can participate in gambling at a casino is under strict conditions.
Table 3: Popular Game Types and Market Segments
| Game Type | Description | Popularity / Market Share | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Games | Slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, poker | Significant in tourist areas | Mostly foreign tourists |
| Sports Betting | Football betting dominant | USD 515 million (2024) | Expected to double by 2033 |
| Lottery | Online lottery platforms | Growing segment | Increasing digital adoption |
| Mobile Gaming | Action, RPG, esports, strategy games | 70% of total gamers | Mobile-first market |
| Poker & Bingo | Social and casual gaming | Emerging niches | Increasing interest |
Demographics of Players
The iGaming audience in Vietnam is primarily young and digitally competent. The majority of the mobile gamer base (and portion of the online gambling audience) are ages 18-34, amounting to approximately 70% of the total population. The gender distribution varies across segments; for instance, it was reported that mobile gaming is 63% male and 37% female. However, when wider surveys of gamers were conducted in Vietnam, it was reported that 51.2% were female and 48.8% male across all types of games. Urban areas account for most participation in iGaming; research found that 78% of mobile gamers live in an urban area.
Table 4: Demographics of Vietnam iGaming Players
| Demographic Factor | Details | Percentage / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age Group | 18–34 years | ~70% of players |
| Gender Distribution | Male: 63%, Female: 37% (mobile gaming) | Near-even split in broader gaming |
| Location | Urban residents | 78% of mobile gamers |
| Average Daily Playtime | Approximately 2.5 hours | Among the highest globally |
| Income Level | Middle- to high-income | Higher engagement in leisure gaming |
Regulatory Landscape
Overview of Existing Gambling Regulations
This article has been updated as of April 27, 2026.
Regulated by an intricate legal framework with changing facets, the iGaming industry in Vietnam is stratified. The casino industry is subject to Decree 03/2017/ND-CP, which provides legal grounds for licensing a casino, alongside the Circular 102/2017/TT-BTC, which regulates casino financials. Requirements for investment in a casino project are primarily governed by the Law on Investment 2025 (replacing the 2020 version as of March 1, 2026), which streamlines the incorporation process by allowing investors to obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) before the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC). Investment capital remains a critical term for license approval.
Table 5: Regulatory Authorities and Licensing Requirements
| Regulatory Aspect | Details | Responsible Authority | Regulatory Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Licensing | Minimum capital: VND 500 billion; 21+ age limit; income proof for locals (VND 10M+) | Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism | Online Game Licenses |
| Online Game Licenses | G1 games require special license; G2–G4 require notification/registration | Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) | Foreign Investor Licensing |
| Foreign Investor Licensing | ERC and IRC required; foreign currency license for profit repatriation | Ministry of Finance and State Bank of Vietnam | Compliance Requirements |
| Compliance Requirements | AML, 24/7 surveillance, data storage (Decree 147), certified equipment | Ministry of Finance and related agencies |
Details on Taxation and Compliance
Casino operators are responsible for a special consumption tax at the rate of 35%, in addition to the standard corporate income tax of 20%, based on gross gaming revenue. Under the Law on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) effective January 1, 2026, operators must also perform Data Protection Impact Assessments (PDPIA) for player data. License holders are required to submit monthly reports to respective government agencies and are subject to regular audits under a program of compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) obligations.
Table 6: Taxation on Gambling Activities
| Tax Type | Rate / Description | Applicability | Tax Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Consumption Tax | 35% on gross gaming revenue | Casino operators | Corporate Income Tax |
| Corporate Income Tax | 20% standard rate | All gambling businesses | Sports Betting Levy |
| Sports Betting Levy | 5% revenue levy (for licensed pilot operators) | Sports betting businesses |
Licensing Requirements and Regulatory Bodies
For online gaming, licensing levels vary depending on the game involved. G1 games (where players interact with servers directly) must have a special license from the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). Under Decree 147/2024, foreign companies providing these services must establish a local legal entity. The content of the proposed game must be approved for compliance with cultural norms, intellectual property, and age classifications (including a new 16+ category). G2, G3, and G4 games are responsible for lower levels of reporting, via notification or registration.
Upcoming Changes in Legislation
Significant shifts occurred with Decree 147/2024 (effective late 2024), which strictly prohibits the licensing of casino-style and card-based online games while streamlining the path for non-gambling online games. As of 2026, Resolution 8/2025/NQ-CP has officially expanded the pilot program for Vietnamese citizens to gamble at three specific casinos: Phu Quoc, Ho Tram, and Van Don. Furthermore, the government has proposed a draft decree to increase casino entry fees for locals to 2.5 million VND per 24 hours to further regulate social impact.
Table 7: Legislative Status (2025–2026 and Beyond)
| Legislative Change | Description | Impact on Market | Legislative Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decree 147/2024 | Mandatory local phone number or ID verification for all accounts | Eliminates anonymous play; ensures accountability | Minors’ Gaming Restrictions |
| Minors’ Gaming Restrictions | Under 18: max 60 min/session, 180 min/day total across all games | Protects minors; strict technical enforcement required | PDPL (2026) |
| PDPL (2026) | Comprehensive personal data protection framework | High compliance costs for player data management | Casino Pilot Expansion |
| Casino Pilot Expansion | Permission for locals at Phu Quoc, Ho Tram, and Van Don | Increases local revenue; trial for broader legalization | Sports Betting Draft |
| Sports Betting Draft | Modernized rules for domestic and international sports betting | Potential for market growth under state-licensed models |
Competitive Landscape
Key Market Players
Local developers are impactful players; Vietnamese developers iKame, ABI Games Studio, and Bravestars have become globally recognisable for their mobile games and features among the most downloaded in the world. These apps are primarily focused on action, role-playing, and competitive esports genres because these genres typically provide the highest exposure to the Vietnamese market. These studios engage their target user base by utilising the local culture, language, and context within their games.
On the international side, casino and sports betting operators have been the most active, and there is a growing interest in the Vietnamese space by global players. The path into the market for existing global iGaming brands includes locally established partnerships and often joint venture structures, as the local regulatory complexity of iGaming gambling in Vietnam is influenced by social views, and “legitimising” its activity will likely continue in every situation.
Market Share Distribution
While accurate market share data is not readily available, mobile gaming is by far the most dominant means of user engagement, representing an estimated 70% of the 12 million gamers in Vietnam. The mobile segment has rapidly grown due to low-cost smartphones and relatively inexpensive access to 4G/5G infrastructures. Separate from the mobile segment, casino gaming is limited in size due to regulatory limits; however, it still dominates screen time within touristic destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc Island, and primarily serves foreign tourists.
The sports betting component of the market is rapidly growing, with projections for revenues to be more than doubled by 2033. Esports and social gambling started as niche segments aimed at younger generations, but as numbers rise, they promise new revenue streams.
Partnerships and Strategic Alliances
Partnerships and strategic alliances between local developers and international publishers are commonplace, as they allow for the movement of technology and content localisation. These partnerships allow Vietnamese studios to grow their studios and business globally, whilst enabling international operators to customise their offer to suit local tastes and regulations.
Finally, partnerships and strategic alliances with payment providers and mobile telecommunications companies are important to engage in, given the market’s mobile-first nature as well as the significance of having secure, easy-to-use transactional capabilities.
Additionally, user acquisition can further be built through influencer marketing, content awareness, and user discoverability, as seen primarily through popular platforms like TikTok.
Table 8: Key Market Players and Partnerships
| Player Type | Examples / Description | Market Role | Partnership Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Developers | iKame, ABI Games Studio, Bravestars | Leading mobile game developers | Collaborations with international publishers |
| International Operators | Global casino and sports betting brands | Market entrants via joint ventures | Partnerships with local firms for compliance and localization |
| Payment Providers | Local e-wallets, telecom payment platforms | Facilitate secure transactions | Critical for mobile-first market |
| Marketing Alliances | Influencers, TikTok content creators | Drive user acquisition | Enhance player engagement |
Consumer Trends
Vietnamese consumers display the highest engagement rates and time spent on smartphones, as well as consoles, and a good amount of time on PC. There is a positive correlation between viewership of esports and video game streaming and the popularity of video games in general. There is a clear transition occurring as players look for more secure, streamlined, digital methods of payment, now containing the full spectrum of financial services they’d like to use as payment options, such as e-wallets and direct mobile payments, largely due to concerns regarding privacy and ease of use.
Technological and social trends associated with gaming, such as 4G/5G internet, immersive experiences in gaming, and additional social aspects through streaming, are guiding how players expect a gaming experience to unfold. Additionally, social and cultural experiences, including the community orientation of the market within digital entertainment ecosystems, are evolving the market.
Opportunities & Challenges
Growth Potential for New Entrants
There are multiple opportunities to engage in Vietnam’s iGaming economy to the extent that there is now an opportunity for existing businesses to access potential growth. There are opportunities for entrants in mobile iGaming, esports, and content development (local, culturally inspired game development), i.e., pay-per-view, user-generated content/streams. A more tech-savvy, younger population, coupled with advancements in digital, technological infrastructures, enables higher levels of innovation and ultimately investment therein. Government commitments towards the developing digital economy with lower commit tax rates, subsidies, tax benefits, and eligibility for grants to attract game development may help investors determine the most suitable revenue and business growth opportunities in Vietnam.
Regulatory and Operational Challenges
However, there are still regulatory and operational challenges. The legal environment is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly complex and increasingly enforced, which means that you will need to implement robust compliance processes and adapt to changing requirements expediently. Ancillary to this, taxes are high, entry into markets is limited with lengthy licenses issued, and these will be barriers for entering the market, particularly for foreign investors. The social dynamics around gambling addiction and underage gaming and gambling have also resulted in tighter controls, which will continue to restrict markets in certain aspects or segments.
Designing new/revolutionary games, responsible gambling features, and safe and secure payment capabilities represent high-priority areas for investment. Partnering with local developers and creating games and experiences that meet the cultural context of their population will create distinct competitive advantages.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Overall, Vietnam’s iGaming sector is on a strong growth path and is being driven by positive demographics, the adoption of technology, and increasing digital consumption. The regulatory environment is becoming more restrictive, with additional decrees and commitments to change to provide more oversight and consumer protection. Vietnam will be a tricky entry market, and therefore, companies should be making compliance a priority of entry to invest in localisation and build partnerships with local established entities on the ground.
Strategic Recommendations for Market Entry
- Stay ahead of regulatory changes and maintain strong compliance procedures.
- Leverage mobile-first and localised content strategies to connect with Vietnam’s young, digital-native customers.
- Consider digital payment solutions that encompass esports and streaming.
- Foster close working relationships with local developers and marketing agencies to adopt local culture, customs, and regulatory frameworks.
Future Outlook For the iGaming Sector in Vietnam
The momentum for Vietnam’s iGaming sector will continue to grow across online gambling, casinos, and lotteries, and the outlook remains positive. As Vietnam’s iGaming landscape develops, the stakeholders who invest in adapting to the environment while ensuring compliance will stand the best chance to capitalise on this new market.
Data and Sources:
- Statista Market Forecast: Games Market in Vietnam
- IMARC Group Report: Vietnam Gaming Market Forecast and Online Gambling Market Size
- 6Wresearch: Vietnam Gaming Market Outlook 2025-2031
- LinkedIn: Article on Vietnam Online Gambling Market Growth
- Vietnam News: Vietnam Targets US$2.4 Billion Gaming Industry Revenue by 2029
- Vietnam Briefing: Vietnam Gaming Industry Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities
- Optiview Dolby: The APAC iGaming Boom: Key Trends and Strategies in 2025
