Legal Advice for International Football Betting License in Vietnam

Currently, international football betting is attracting significant interest from businesses seeking investment and development opportunities. However, not all enterprises are eligible to participate. Only companies that meet all legal conditions and are selected in accordance with the bidding regulations may engage in this line of business. Which enterprises are permitted to conduct international football betting business? What are the conditions and procedures for obtaining a certificate of eligibility for international football betting? The article below, provided by Viet An Law, offers comprehensive information on this matter.

What is international football betting?

Pursuant to clauses 01 and 04, Article 02 of Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP:

Betting is a type of prize-winning entertainment game in which participants predict the outcome of permitted sporting or entertainment events. If the prediction is accurate, the participant receives a reward in the form of cash, goods, or services convertible into cash, based on the final result of the event and in accordance with applicable regulations.

International football refers to matches and tournaments held outside the territory of Vietnam or organized by international organizations within Vietnam.

Thus, international football betting may be understood as a prize-winning entertainment activity whereby participants predict possible outcomes of international football matches.

Eligible enterprises for the international football betting business in Vietnam

Pursuant to Article 38 of Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP, the government of Vietnam permits only one enterprise to pilot the operation of international football betting within five years from the date on which the certificate of eligibility for business in international football betting is issued.

Upon the conclusion of this pilot phase, the government shall conduct an evaluation and decide whether to continue permitting pilot operations or make further adjustments to the regulatory framework.

Conditions for enterprises to pilot an international football betting license in Vietnam

• Possess a minimum charter capital of VND 1,000 billion (one thousand billion Vietnamese dong), or an equivalent value.
• Have an investment plan for a technological system, technical equipment, and business software that is modern, synchronized, and capable of easy upgrades, precise operations, safety, and stability.
• Submit a feasible business plan for international football betting, including methods of ticket distribution and areas of ticket issuance that comply with the provisions of this Decree and relevant laws.
• Provide a written commitment to comply with Vietnamese and international legal regulations.
• Commit to ensuring security, public order, and making contributions to the community.

Conditions for an international football betting license in Vietnam

Under clause 02, article 39 of Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP, an enterprise selected to pilot international football betting must meet the following conditions when applying for the certificate of eligibility:

• The enterprise must be fully prepared in terms of infrastructure and technical facilities to support business operations.
• The technological systems, technical equipment, and business software must be modern, synchronized, easily upgradable, and capable of accurate, safe, and stable operation.

Application dossier for an international football betting license in Vietnam

Pursuant to clause 03, article 39 of Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP, the application dossier for the certificate of eligibility to operate an international football betting business shall comprise the following documents:

• An application form for the certificate of eligibility for betting business, completed in accordance with Appendix No. 01 issued together with Circular No. 101/2017/TT-BTC;
• A certified true copy of the enterprise registration certificate issued by a competent state authority in accordance with the Law on Enterprises; or a non-certified copy presented together with the original for comparison;
• A certified true copy of the investment registration certificate or a written decision on investment approval for international football betting business, issued by the competent authority in accordance with investment laws; or a non-certified copy presented together with the original for verification;
• A judicial record certificate (criminal background check) for the individuals managing and operating the enterprise;
• Documents and materials evidencing that the enterprise meets all conditions for issuance of the certificate of eligibility for international football betting business;
• A draft betting regulation and internal regulations on anti-money laundering compliance.

Licensing procedure for the certificate of eligibility

In accordance with Article 40 of Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP, the procedure for issuance of the certificate of eligibility to operate an international football betting business includes:

Step 1: Preparation and submission of dossier

The enterprise shall prepare a complete application dossier as specified above and submit the dossier via one of the following methods:

• Directly at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance;
• Via postal service.

Step 2: Receipt and examination of dossier

Within five (05) working days from the date of receipt of the dossier, the Ministry of Finance shall notify the enterprise regarding the completeness and validity of the dossier and request the enterprise to supplement documents (if necessary), and submit five (05) official sets of the dossier for appraisal.

Step 3: Appraisal of dossier

• Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of a valid dossier, the Ministry of Finance shall forward the dossier for opinions from relevant authorities, including: the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of Planning and Investment; the Ministry of Public Security; and the People’s Committee of the province where the enterprise is registered for investment.
• Within thirty (30) days from the date of forwarding the dossier for opinions, the Ministry of Finance shall establish an interagency inspection team composed of representatives from: the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of Planning and Investment; the Ministry of Public Security; and the People’s Committee of the province where the enterprise is registered for investment, to conduct on-site inspection at the betting business location and the enterprise’s headquarters applying for the certificate of eligibility for betting business.
• Within fifteen (15) days from the date of completion of the on-site inspection, the consulted authorities shall provide their written opinions to the Ministry of Finance and shall be responsible for the content of their opinions.

Upon receipt of opinions from the above-mentioned relevant authorities, the Ministry of Finance shall consolidate such opinions and consider whether to issue or refuse to issue the certificate of eligibility for international football betting business.

Step 4: Issuance of result

• Within ninety (90) days from the date of receipt of a valid application dossier, the Ministry of Finance shall review and issue the certificate of eligibility for betting business.
• In case of refusal to issue the certificate of eligibility for betting business, the Ministry of Finance shall notify the enterprise in writing and clearly state the reasons.

Validity period of the international football betting license in Vietnam

According to clause 02, article 41 of Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP, the validity period of the certificate of eligibility for international football betting business shall be five (05) years from the effective date of the certificate.

Therefore, the certificate of eligibility for the international football betting business shall be valid for a maximum of five (05) years from the date it takes effect.

Circumstances for revocation of the certificate of eligibility for the international football betting business

Pursuant to Article 42 of Decree No. 06/2017/ND-CP, the certificate of eligibility for international football betting business shall be revoked in the following cases:

• The enterprise violates provisions of the law on investment.
• The enterprise violates all regulations governing the organization and operation of the international football betting business, as concluded by the inspection authority in accordance with the law.

For clients seeking further advice on procedures for obtaining the certificate of eligibility for international football betting business or other specialized legal matters, please contact Viet An Law for comprehensive assistance.