Vietnam legalises betting on football, racing

AFP, HANOI: Punters in gambling-mad Vietnam cheered the easing of a ban on sports betting Saturday, as the communist government moves to bring a booming black market industry above board.
Vietnam has long barred locals from gambling of any form, allowing only a few foreigner-only casinos. 
But the law is widely flouted -- especially in the run-up to major sporting events -- when millions of dollars change hands through illegal gambling dens or online betting rings. 
On Friday the government announced a pilot program that would allow Vietnamese citizens over the age of 21 to place wagers on international football matches. 

Vietnam legalises betting on football, racing

AFP, HANOI: Punters in gambling-mad Vietnam cheered the easing of a ban on sports betting Saturday, as the communist government moves to bring a booming black market industry above board. Vietnam has long barred locals from gambling of any form, allowing only a few foreigner-only casinos. But the law is widely flouted -- especially in the run-up to major sporting events -- when millions of dollars change hands through illegal gambling dens or online betting rings. On Friday the government announced a pilot program that would allow Vietnamese citizens over the age of 21 to place wagers on international football matches.