The lottery system in Vietnam has a long and complex history dating back to French colonial rule in the 19th century. After Vietnam gained independence in 1945, the lottery system continued to operate and evolve under different governments. Today, Vietnam has a thriving lottery industry regulated by the Ministry of Finance that includes many different games and lottery operators.
French Colonial Rule
The lottery in Vietnam has its origins during the French colonial period beginning in the late 19th century. The French introduced many aspects of their culture and society to Vietnam, including lotteries and gambling houses. The first official lottery in Vietnam was established by the French colonial government in 1885 called the Société des Loteries Coloniales.
The Société des Loteries Coloniales held regular draws and offered cash prizes to lucky ticket holders. The lottery games were an instant hit among Vietnamese citizens as well as French colonists and military personnel. Lottery Ticket outlets sprang up in cities like Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City (then called Saigon).
The colonial lottery provided revenue for the French administration and stimulated economic activity. However, it was also controversial for encouraging gambling addiction and idle behavior among the Vietnamese population. Anti-lottery movements began calling for reforms. In response, the French introduced regulations and restrictions on the lottery activities.
Key Facts
- First official lottery introduced in Vietnam by the French in 1885
- Operated by the Société des Loteries Coloniales
- Provided revenue for French colonial government
- Controversial for promoting gambling addiction
- French introduced some reforms and regulations
Democratic Republic of Vietnam
After Vietnam declared independence in 1945 under Ho Chi Minh’s leadership, the lottery system continued operating. The Democratic Republic of Vietnam government saw it as an important source of state revenue. However, the lotteries were administered more cautiously than in colonial times.
In the 1950s, the government created a national lottery company to regulate lottery activities in North Vietnam. Tight restrictions were introduced such as banning private lotteries and prohibiting advertisements that encouraged excessive gambling. Lottery draws were also held less frequently than before.
Revenue from the lottery funded construction of key infrastructure projects rebuilt after decades of French colonial neglect. These included roads, hospitals, schools and power plants to strengthen the new independent nation.
Key Facts
- Lottery system continued under the Democratic Republic of Vietnam
- Government created a national lottery regulator
- Lottery revenue used for national development
- Stricter rules and restrictions imposed on lottery activities
Vietnam War Period
After Vietnam was partitioned in 1954, the lottery system operated separately in North and South Vietnam throughout the Vietnam War period. In North Vietnam, the state-owned lottery provided steady income for the government during the difficult war years. In South Vietnam, the system expanded more freely under looser regulations.
As early as the 1950s, American military personnel stationed in South Vietnam began playing local Vietnamese lottery games for recreation. This demand led to more private lottery operators and promoters entering the market in South Vietnamese cities.
Lottery addiction was a major social issue among both Vietnamese citizens and US soldiers during the war. Nevertheless, the South Vietnamese administration was dependent on lottery revenue and was reluctant to institute strict controls.
Key Facts
- Lotteries operated separately in North and South Vietnam
- Demand from American GIs drove lotteries in South
- Lax regulations caused social issues in South
- Lottery revenue important income for South’s government
Reunification and Doi Moi Era
After reunification in 1975, the lottery system in Vietnam was nationalized under the control of the Vietnamese Communist Party. Revenue collection from lottery sales nationwide was centralized by the government planning bureaucracy. Lottery activities continued to be regulated cautiously as before.
In 1986, the Vietnamese government implemented the Doi Moi economic liberalization reforms. State-owned enterprises like the lottery industry were gradually decentralized and opened up to private investment. This paved the way for diversification of lottery games and commercialization of the sector.
The government also established a national Lottery Council in 1995 to streamline administrative oversight of lottery operations. Training programs were introduced to promote responsible gambling practices among citizens.
Key Facts
- Lotteries centralized after reunification
- Economic reforms brought private investment
- National Lottery Council created in 1995
- Training programs instituted for responsible gambling
Modern Lottery Industry
Today, Vietnam has an extensive lottery industry that has been continuously modernizing since the Doi Moi reforms. There are a wide variety of lottery games available from numerous government-licensed operators. Lottery tickets are sold through over 10,000 authorized retailers across Vietnam’s 64 provinces.
Annual revenues from lottery ticket sales exceeds $1 billion, providing important funding for Vietnam’s state budget. There are regular lottery draws held throughout the year offering prizes worth hundreds of billions of VND.
While gambling addiction remains an issue, the Ministry of Finance’s Lottery Department has strengthened regulations. This includes banning certain lottery types, prohibiting foreign games, and enforcing responsible gambling education. The lottery industry continues to grow in a more regulated manner serving Vietnamese demand.
Key Facts
- Modern industry with many games and operators
- Ticket sales generate over $1 billion annually
- Prizes worth hundreds of billions VND
- Industry regulated by Ministry of Finance
- Stronger regulations to address gambling addiction
Types of Lotteries
There are several major types of lotteries currently available in Vietnam:
Lotto (Xổ Số)
Lotto is a jackpot-style lottery game operated by the Vietnam Lottery Company. Draws are held twice per week on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. To play, participants select 6 numbers from 1 to 42. Prizes are given for matching 3, 4, 5 or all 6 numbers. Jackpots can be worth hundreds of billions of VND.
Mega 6/45 Lotto
The Mega 6/45 Lotto game is run by the Ministry of Finance and draws are held 6 days per week. Players pick 6 numbers between 1 and 45 and can win prizes by matching 3 or more numbers. There are also guaranteed consolation prizes. Jackpots are typically around VND 12 billion.
Horse Racing Lottery
Operated by the Vietnam Lottery Company, this lottery allows players to bet on virtual horse races. Draws using computer generated races are conducted daily or weekly. Punters can bet on single or multiple horses and collect prizes based on race results.
Keno
Keno is a fast-paced lottery game where a new round starts every 5 minutes. 20 numbers from 1-80 are drawn each round. Players select up to 10 numbers and win prizes based on how many numbers match the draw. Keno is run by licensed operators like Vinaphone.
SMS Lottery
This instant win lottery from Vietnam Lottery Company lets players participate through text messages. After sending a code by SMS to a phone number, they immediately find out if they have won a prize. Top prizes are worth over VND 300 million.
Passive Lottery
The passive lottery requires no active participation. Ticket numbers are pre-printed and players simply check if their tickets have won periodic prize draws. Many provincial passive lotteries exist with top prizes ranging from VND 100 million to billions of VND.
Major Lottery Companies
The lottery industry in Vietnam is dominated by a few major state-owned and private enterprises.
Vietnam Lottery Company
This state enterprise was established in 2003 and is the largest lottery operator in Vietnam. They run multiple lottery games like Lotto, Horse Racing, SMS and Passive lotteries. Annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. Headquartered in Hanoi, the company has lottery centers nationwide.
Ministry of Finance
The Lottery Department of the Ministry of Finance regulates all lottery activities in Vietnam. They directly operate popular lotteries like Mega 6/45 Lotto. The Ministry issues licenses to lottery companies and ensures compliance and responsible gambling.
Vinaphone
The telecom provider Vinaphone is licensed to operate lottery games. Their Keno game is one of the largest daily lotteries in Vietnam. Vinaphone sells tickets through their widespread mobile phone retail network across provinces.
Petrosetco
The PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (Petrosetco) runs a lottery division as a side-business. Their passive lotteries are highly popular in rural towns where they have gasoline retail presence. Petrosetco also operates an SMS lottery.
Phu Quoc Lottery Company
Based in Phu Quoc Island, this firm focuses on the southern Vietnamese market. They operate passive and Keno-style lottery games. The Phu Quoc Lottery Company’s games have created several jackpot winners over the years.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Problem gambling continues to be an issue associated with Vietnam’s lottery industry. The government and companies have instituted several initiatives to promote responsible gambling habits.
Awareness Programs
Lottery operators sponsor public awareness programs to educate citizens about responsible gambling best practices. These include informational ads, organizing workshops, and distributing educational materials.
Age Restrictions
Legal age restrictions prohibit those under 18 years old from purchasing lottery tickets. Retailers are required to verify buyer’s ages to block underage gambling.
Advertising Codes
Regulations prohibit irresponsible lottery advertising that targets minors or encourages excessive gambling. Advertisements must include responsible gambling messages.
Access Restrictions
Many provinces restrict or ban lottery ticket sales in sensitive areas like near schools, hospitals and government offices. This aims to limit easily accessible and impulse gambling opportunities.
Helplines and Resources
Problem gambling support services provide free counselling and resources for Vietnamese citizens. Lottery companies help fund helplines, mental health services and recovery programs.
Ban on Electronic Lotteries
Vietnam prohibits online sales of lottery tickets and games to restrict 24/7 gambling access. There are also bans on gambling machines like video lottery terminals to limit harmful electronic gaming.
Conclusion
The lottery system in Vietnam has evolved over the past century into a major industry that now generates billions in annual revenue. Early French colonial lotteries for profit have transformed into Vietnamese state-run games focused on responsible gambling practices.
While concerns persist around gambling addiction, Vietnam’s current lottery framework under Ministry of Finance regulation balances revenue needs with social safeguards. Education and awareness initiatives by both government and private operators aim to mitigate problem gambling. The Vietnamese lottery will continue adapting in line with the future development of the country.
