MoF clarifies law on prize electronic games for foreigners

Circular No. 39/2022/TT-BTC guides the implementation of Decree No. 121/2021/ND-CP and stipulates the appraisal fee for the grant and extension of business certificates at VND150 million (US$6,428), while that for the re-grant and adjustment stands at $5 million.

After the appraisal, the finance ministry will inform enterprises about payment, according to the document.

The businesses are allowed to suspend the use of conventional currencies for management requirements, but they have to inform finance departments and tax agencies at least five days prior, with documentation.

The resumption of the use of the currencies must also be reported to these agencies.

The enterprises must keep a close watch on the currencies, including their format, quantity and type, among others.

According to Decree No. 121/2021/ND-CP, which took effect on February 12, 2022, an enterprise doing the business is allowed to organise prize electronic games at only one site licensed by authorised State agencies.

The players permitted at those sites are foreigners and Vietnamese people who reside abroad and legally enter Vietnam using passports or international travel documents granted by foreign authorised agencies, with valid visas.

All of them must have full capacity for civil conduct in accordance with Vietnamese law and voluntarily comply with the games’ rules and regulations in this decree.

To play the games, they must bring along the papers proving that they belong to the permitted group; comply with the game's rules and the regulations of the game organising enterprises; fulfil their tax obligations as stipulated by law, and adhere to relevant legal regulations.

Furthermore, players are not allowed to use the results of prize games to directly make a bet with one another or harm the security, order, or safety of gaming sites.

In preparation for a full reopening of international borders, some Vietnamese provinces are proposing to build brand new casinos in an attempt to lure in new tourists after years of economic uncertainty in the tourism sector.

Despite major casino operators suffering financial losses and legal creases not yet ironed out, there are still hopes for a resurgence and even new developers entering the frame.

Ho Chi Minh City proposes to open casinos in hotels with at least 5-star standards to encourage the development of the evening and night economy.