Vietnam has issued Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP, a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at tightening control over the online gaming industry while ensuring compliance for both domestic and foreign service providers. The decree will take effect on December 25, 2024, prohibiting casino-style and card games, introducing stricter player verification protocols, and streamlining the licensing process for game developers.
A key aspect of Decree No. 147 is the complete ban on casino-style and card games. These measures are intended to curb potential negative social impacts and promote responsible gambling. The Ministry of Information and Communications emphasizes that this ban reflects a commitment to protecting vulnerable players and preventing gambling-related harm.
According to the Minister of Information and Communications, Le Thu Ha, quoted by Vietnam Net, the new regulations are crucial for limiting gaming time for minors. Players under 18 will face strict restrictions, with a maximum of 60 minutes per gaming session and no more than 3 hours of gaming per day.
Streamlining Licensing and Player Verification
To simplify administrative procedures, Decree No. 147 delegates the licensing authority for G2, G3, and G4 games to local Departments of Information and Communications (DIC). This move is expected to accelerate the approval process while ensuring all games comply with Vietnamese regulatory standards. As of November 15, 2024, 192 certifications have been issued for G2, G3, and G4 games, covering over 16,000 games.
In addition to speeding up licensing, the decree also requires the use of Vietnamese mobile numbers for player verification. Players under 16 must provide parent or guardian information upon registration, with guardians required to supervise gaming time and content. These measures aim to protect children from excessive gaming and exposure to inappropriate content.
The Deputy Director of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, highlighted the challenges of monitoring gaming activities across multiple platforms. She advised companies to ensure compliance within their ecosystems and to process applications in batches for efficient handling.
Enhancing Regulation of Cross-Border and Unlicensed Games
Decree No. 147 imposes stricter regulations on cross-border game providers. Companies offering games in Vietnam must establish local operations and comply with the country's payment regulations. Unapproved games must be removed from app stores, and publishers must obtain necessary licenses to avoid fines or operational bans.
The regulation also requires Vietnamese social networks and app stores with monthly visits exceeding 100,000 to comply with the decree. These platforms must provide their contact information to the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI) and adhere to content monitoring guidelines. Violations could result in severe penalties, including fines and operational restrictions.
Addressing Broader Internet and Gaming Regulatory Issues
The new regulations, spanning over 200 pages, also cover social networks, telecommunications application services, and content review. According to the Vietnam Brief, the new regulations impose specific requirements on both domestic and foreign service providers, including enhanced scrutiny of data management and user verification systems.
Social network providers with significant traffic must obtain formal licenses, while live streaming services must meet additional conditions. For game content, a new rating system has been introduced, including a 16+ category, to ensure suitability for younger users.
