Government tightens conditions on gaming machines
Starting from February 15, 2017, gaming machines used in facilities currently open to foreigners in Vietnam have to meet more stringent conditions.
According to Decree 175/2016/ND-CP issued on December 30, 2016, which amends some clauses of Decree 86/2013/ND-CP dated July 29, 2013 on business in prize-winning electronic games for foreigners, gaming machines used in the above facilities have to be 100% new, with technical specifications clarified by the manufacturer, and certified by independent certifying agencies operating in G7 countries.
Slot machines will have to offer a pay-out percentage of at least 90%, which is written in to the software that is installed in to the slot machine while it is still in the factory.
If the operator of the facility changes the pay-out percentage, they have to make sure that the new percentage is not lower than 90% and has to have the machine certified again before putting it into use. The pay-out percentage has to be specified in the terms of the game.
During the course of usage, the operator can maintain and repair the machines but is not allowed to change the pay-out percentage.
If the maintenance or repair concerns parts of the machine that could alter the percentage, the operator has to have the machine certified again before putting it into use.