Vietnam police arrest 69 Chinese in major casino bust

Lao Cai Provincial Police announced on Friday that the Bridge Sports Club and Poker Khai Hoang were operated by two Chinese men, who later partnered with a Vietnamese national to run the establishments.

Players at a casino in Lao Cai Province that was raided by police on March 6, 2025. Photo by police

Following a period of surveillance, authorities conducted the raid Thursday afternoon in coordination with the Criminal Investigation Department of Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. The clubs were located on the second floor of the Royal Lao Cai Hotel in Lao Cai City.

At the scene, police detained 97 suspects, including 69 Chinese nationals, who were actively involved in gambling activities, playing games such as Niu Niu, Baccarat, and Dragon Tiger.

Authorities confiscated a significant quantity of Chinese currency notes and gaming chips totaling approximately VND720 billion. Additionally, police seized 50 decks of playing cards, 30 computers, 12 monitors, 90 mobile phones, and other items linked to the illegal gambling operations.

A view of a casino raided by police in Lao Cai Province, March 6, 2025. Photo by police

The clubs operated by allowing guests to exchange Renminbi (Chinese currency) for gambling chips, with each chip valued at 1 Renminbi (US$0.13).

Lao Cai Provincial Police are continuing their investigation and analyzing seized data to determine the full extent of criminal activities.

Gambling is illegal in Vietnam, except at certain casinos which are mostly only open to foreigners.

Any person who illegally gambles in Vietnam could face up to seven years in prison, and running gambling dens could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment.