Authorities in Thailand have made 93 arrests as part of an operation against an illegal online gambling network targeting the Vietnamese market.
Makkasan police confirmed that the arrests of the Vietnamese nationals were made at a property in Bangkok, and the operation was believed to be generating a cash flow of more than 100m baht each day (£2.3m).
According to local reports, investigators were tipped off about the operation after reports of a large number of foreign nationals entering and exiting the property, which was controlled by security staff and had a key-card system.
During the raid, the police discovered workers seated at computers and screens showing Vietnamese-language online gambling websites offering sports betting and online casinos.
Questioning of those present discovered that they had been recruited to work for the operation and were paid 30,000 baht each month (£704), paid into Vietnamese bank accounts.
All forms of online gambling are illegal in Vietnam. However, the country plays host to a thriving online gaming market through unlicensed overseas operators, and players are estimated to spend between $5bn and $10bn each year – underscoring the significant income allegedly generated by the thwarted operation.
Land-based reforms on the horizon
Although online gambling remains illegal, a major transformation of the land-based sector could be on the horizon for the country.
Casinos are largely targeted at foreign visitors, however, a pilot programme to allow access for local players is continuing to be expanded.
In November, the government granted authorisation for citizens to enter the Grand Ho Tram resort and the planned Van Don integrated resort as part of a five-year pilot programme.
Meanwhile, the Corona Resort & Casino, which began Vietnam’s local-entry pilot in 2019 and was previously the only location on offer for locals, has also been granted permanent local-player access – bringing to an end a six-year pilot process that was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To ensure the financial viability of each local entrant, they are charged an entry fee of VND 2.5m (£71.72) for a 24-hour period or VND 50m (£1,434) for monthly access.
