Vietnam Authorities Bust Another High-Profile Illegal Gambling Ring

The Vietnamese government is stepping up its fight against illegal gambling as law enforcement increasingly faces organized and technologically advanced criminal networks operating across borders. While the country recently allowed limited access of Vietnamese citizens to land-based casinos, the illegal sector remains a pressing issue.

Chinese Nationals Exploited Tourist Visas

The newest legal crackdown unfolded in the coastal city of Nha Trang, where police dismantled five online gambling rings during coordinated late-night raids. Police arrested 31 people, including 30 Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese citizen, after uncovering gambling operations running out of hotels, luxury apartments, and rented homes. The Khanh Hoa Provincial Police also discovered laptops and mobile phones still connected to betting platforms.

According to investigators, the perpetrators entered Vietnam on tourist visas before setting up illicit operations in residential properties that were never registered with the local authorities. Authorities confiscated 40 laptops and 112 mobile phones, which were used to manage online betting activity aimed largely at overseas players. Police have not released the suspects’ identities, citing the ongoing investigation.

The Nha Trang incident is part of a broader pattern. Vietnam has consistently warned that illegal gambling, particularly operations tied to foreign actors, poses risks not only to financial security but also to public order. According to officials, coastal cities and major urban centers have become attractive hubs due to tourism flows, modern infrastructure, and easy access to short-term rentals.

Police Crackdowns Remain Frequent

The scale of illegal gambling remains a pressing issue in Vietnam. In June, police in Thai Binh Province charged 21 individuals connected to an international criminal network accused of running a massive online betting and money laundering operation. The group was reportedly linked to KUBET, a foreign-based platform that provided sports betting, online lottery, and “tai xiu,” a popular dice game.

The probe revealed more than one million user accounts and total wagers exceeding 1 trillion VND ($38 million). However, the operation was not limited to gambling. Authorities uncovered a sophisticated laundering system that utilized shell bank accounts, remote access software, and artificial intelligence tools.

The group leveraged AI-generated deepfake videos to circumvent bank security measures.
As online platforms grow more sophisticated, Vietnamese law enforcement faces mounting pressure to adapt.

Officials have acknowledged that technology is reshaping both gambling and financial crime, forcing regulators and police to re-evaluate enforcement methods.

Vietnam appears determined to keep tightening the net, ensuring customer safety and the integrity of the regulated market.