Similarities and Differences in Legislation for Casino Gambling in Canada and Vietnam

Gambling legislation varies significantly from place to place all over the world and is influenced by cultural, economic, and social factors. You can pick many differences in terms of location and culture between Canada and Vietnam but then it is intriguing to consider how gambling activities are regulated in these countries. We’ll also look into some similarities between the two countries in their gambling legislation.

Differences In Legal Framework

Canada

In Canada, both federal and provincial governments regulate gambling. The Criminal Code of Canada sets the overall framework for gambling activities and regards most forms of gambling as illegal unless a provincial government conducts and manages them. This framework allows provinces to make their own decisions when it comes to regulating and managing gambling within their jurisdictions.

Each province has its regulatory body that licenses and oversees gambling activities, and such games include casinos, lotteries, and online gambling. For example, some provincial regulators that are prominent in the industry are Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).

Vietnam

You will find some differences in the way Vietnam approaches gambling, with stricter control under a centralized system. The Vietnamese government has been historically known to restrict gambling, and it considers many forms of gambling illegal for its citizens. But then recent changes have shown how much the government has slowly relaxed some of its rules.

With respect to Decree No. 03/2017/ND-CP, a major shift has allowed Vietnamese citizens to gamble in certain regulated casinos when they meet specific conditions. However, this decree is also strictly regulated to ensure that players comply with safe gambling practices as they prevent social issues associated with gambling.

Similarities In Legal Framework

Both countries allow their citizens to gamble under specific conditions only. Players from these countries are allowed to gamble at licensed offline casinos regulated by the government. Canada and Vietnam permit you to play land-based casino games and lottery games.

Differences In Online Gambling

Canada

Online gambling in Canada is a complex area due to the connection between federal and provincial regulations. A fun fact is that the federal Criminal Code does not explicitly address online gambling, and this leaves it to provincial authorities to interpret. When you consider this fact, you will understand why several provinces have launched their online gambling platforms similar to SlotsCity, CA. 

These platforms are regulated to ensure fair play and responsible gambling. But then you should also know that many Canadians also access new slots online on various offshore online gambling sites, and this is why online gambling in the country operates in a legal gray area. After all the federal government has not taken significant steps to block these websites.

Vietnam

Vietnam has always been strict in how it regulates online gambling. So online gambling is generally illegal, and the government has taken measures to block access to foreign gambling websites. Despite this, illegal online gambling activities persist, and many sophisticated networks evade government scrutiny. The government continues to crack down on these activities, with regular raids and arrests of those involved in illegal online gambling operations. The strict prohibition shows how concerned the government is over the social and economic impacts of online gambling.

Similarities in Online Gambling

Both Canada and Vietnam do not have a single, comprehensive federal regulatory framework that specifically addresses how online gambling is performed. 

Differences in Social and Economic Impacts

Canada

Gambling has a significant impact on the Canadian economy. The revenues generated from gambling activities are substantial, with provincial lotteries, casinos, and online gambling platforms providing significant income. These funds are often directed towards public services, including healthcare and education.

Vietnam

The economic impact of gambling is more constrained due to the limited legalization in Vietnam. The government remains cautious as it aims to balance economic benefits with social stability. The recent relaxation allows Vietnamese citizens to gamble in specific casinos and this is also seen as a potential economic boost. However, the government remains vigilant about the social impacts of gambling.

Similarities in Social and Economic Impacts

Gambling contributes significantly to the economy in both Canada and Vietnam. In Canada, gambling revenues from lotteries, casinos, and online gambling platforms are used to fund public services. Similarly, in Vietnam, legal gambling activities in casinos that are aimed at tourists and certain pilot programs for Vietnamese citizens generate significant economic benefits. These include government revenues and employment opportunities.

Conclusion

How Canada and Vietnam approach gambling shows their cultural and socio-economic beliefs. Canada has a decentralized and more liberal framework that is different from the centralized and restrictive Vietnam approach. Despite these differences, both countries aim to balance the economic benefits of gambling with the need to mitigate its potential social effects.