Vietnam has introduced Decree 147 to enforce stricter regulations on its online gaming industry, aiming to protect minors and hold back the negative social impact of certain types of games.
The decree, presented by the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, introduces updated measures to tighten control over the country’s digital gaming landscape.
One of the most significant changes is the outright ban on casino-style and card-based games, which are now ineligible for licensing. Authorities believe this move will reduce the potential harm such games pose, particularly to younger players.
As of mid-November 2024, Vietnam had issued 288 G1 game licenses, 184 of which remain active. Additionally, 192 certifications were granted for G2, G3, and G4 games, covering over 16,000 titles, most of which are still in operation.
To streamline administrative procedures, Decree 147 empowers local authorities, specifically the Departments of Information and Communications (DICs), to certify G2, G3, and G4 online games. This change aims to simplify the licensing process and facilitate the distribution of games within Vietnam.
Another key provision focuses on player verification. All players must now verify their identities using mobile phone numbers. For players under 16, registration requires parental or guardian information, making them responsible for overseeing gaming activity, including playtime and content restrictions.
Le Thu Ha, Head of the Electronic Information Department, emphasized that these regulations are designed to limit gaming time for children. Under the new rules, players under 18 are restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes per gaming session, with a daily total limit of 180 minutes.
Gaming companies, server providers, and telecommunications firms are also required to adopt protective measures for minors. Games must now be appropriately labeled, while cross-border app stores must block or remove games that fail to meet Vietnam’s approval criteria.
Foreign companies hoping to enter Vietnam’s gaming market must establish a local presence to comply with Decree 147. While G2, G3, and G4 games must be certified, individual game approval is not required.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, clarified:
The decree also enhances measures to combat illegal and unlicensed games. App stores are required to ensure only licensed games are available to consumers. Any games distributed without proper licensing will be classified as illegal, reinforcing Vietnam’s commitment to regulating its online gaming industry.
The decree, presented by the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, introduces updated measures to tighten control over the country’s digital gaming landscape.
One of the most significant changes is the outright ban on casino-style and card-based games, which are now ineligible for licensing. Authorities believe this move will reduce the potential harm such games pose, particularly to younger players.
As of mid-November 2024, Vietnam had issued 288 G1 game licenses, 184 of which remain active. Additionally, 192 certifications were granted for G2, G3, and G4 games, covering over 16,000 titles, most of which are still in operation.
To streamline administrative procedures, Decree 147 empowers local authorities, specifically the Departments of Information and Communications (DICs), to certify G2, G3, and G4 online games. This change aims to simplify the licensing process and facilitate the distribution of games within Vietnam.
Another key provision focuses on player verification. All players must now verify their identities using mobile phone numbers. For players under 16, registration requires parental or guardian information, making them responsible for overseeing gaming activity, including playtime and content restrictions.
Le Thu Ha, Head of the Electronic Information Department, emphasized that these regulations are designed to limit gaming time for children. Under the new rules, players under 18 are restricted to a maximum of 60 minutes per gaming session, with a daily total limit of 180 minutes.
Gaming companies, server providers, and telecommunications firms are also required to adopt protective measures for minors. Games must now be appropriately labeled, while cross-border app stores must block or remove games that fail to meet Vietnam’s approval criteria.
Foreign companies hoping to enter Vietnam’s gaming market must establish a local presence to comply with Decree 147. While G2, G3, and G4 games must be certified, individual game approval is not required.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information, clarified:
The decree also enhances measures to combat illegal and unlicensed games. App stores are required to ensure only licensed games are available to consumers. Any games distributed without proper licensing will be classified as illegal, reinforcing Vietnam’s commitment to regulating its online gaming industry.
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