The Government has released a Decree on money-winning electronic gaming for foreigners aiming to provide more entertainment activities for these people and attract more foreign investment in the country.

Under the Decree, money-winning electronic games are reserved only for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese who hold valid foreign passports granted by foreign competent agencies and legally enter Viet Nam.

The above subjects must have full civil act capacity and voluntarily obey gaming rules and regulations prescribed in this Decree.

Businesses offering money-winning electronic gaming services are allowed to set up only one establishment where only one machine for the game is installed per five chambers as stipulated in their business certificates.

Under the Decree, administrative infringements shall get fine of VND 100 million (US$4,700) for each individual violator and VND 200 million (US$94,000) for each violated organization.

The Decree will take effect from October 1, 2013.

Statistics showed that 43 establishments including three-or-more star hotels and tourist agencies with jackpot machines and slot machines had opened, mainly in Ha Noi and HCM City.

(Source: VGP)