Vietnam is considering the possibility of legalizing different forms of gambling to better manage the activities and get bigger funds, its news agency VNA reported quoting a local newspaper as saying.

The ministries of Finance and Planning and Investment are drafting legal documents to submit to the government for consideration, under which special regulations can be issued to ensure the sound operation of gambling services providers, prevent potential crimes in association with gambling activities, and safeguard the legitimate interest of gamblers and bettors.

Prior to 2003, all forms of gambling, except the state-run lottery service, were illegal in Vietnam. Since the year, the government has allowed some four- or five-star hotels in the country to establish electronic centers to offer gambling games to foreign passport holders.