Vietnam to penalize lottery sales to minors under new decree

Vietnam is set to implement Decree 389/2026, effective November 30, 2026, which introduces administrative penalties for selling lottery tickets to individuals under the age of 18. Under the new regulations, organizations found selling lottery tickets to ineligible persons face fines between 20 and 30 million VND, while individuals face fines of 10 to 15 million VND. Individuals under 18 who purchase tickets may also face warnings or fines ranging from 10 to 15 million VND.

Lottery agents and street vendors have expressed concerns regarding the practical application of the law, specifically the difficulty of verifying the age of customers without requesting identification. Public debate has also emerged regarding the necessity of the ban, with some citizens questioning whether minors are a significant demographic of lottery buyers or suggesting that restrictions should focus on preventing minors from selling tickets rather than purchasing them.