Dozens of provinces and cities ignore reports on handling online lottery purchases

In a document recently sent to the People's Committees of provinces and cities, the Ministry of Finance requested rectification of the distribution of lottery tickets via the Internet and the organization of lottery businesses that violate the law.

The Ministry of Finance stated that since August 24, 2023, it has issued a document requesting the People's Committees of provinces and cities to take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to prevent the aforementioned activities. The results must be sent to the Ministry of Finance before September 30, 2023, so that the Ministry of Finance can compile the information, manage it, and report to the Government leaders.

ticket number 1.jpg — Lottery tickets are not distributed via the Internet.

However, the Ministry of Finance stated that it has not yet received reports from dozens of provinces and cities regarding the purchase of lottery tickets via the Internet. The 28 provinces and cities that have not yet reported include: Bac Giang, Ha Giang , Ha Nam, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Lao Cai, Lang Son, Lai Chau, Quang Ninh, Son La, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh Phuc, Bac Kan, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Ben Tre, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Tay Ninh, Binh Thuan, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Phuoc, and Kien Giang.

The Ministry of Finance requests that the aforementioned provinces and cities submit reports to the Ministry of Finance before November 17, 2023, so that the Ministry can compile the information, manage it, and report to the Government leaders.

In a document sent to the People's Committees of provinces and cities at the end of August, the Ministry of Finance requested a rectification of lottery ticket distribution activities via the Internet.

According to the Ministry of Finance's assessment, the practice of purchasing and distributing foreign lottery products creates unfair competition for legitimate domestic lottery businesses; it affects state budget revenue from legitimate lottery businesses and leads to tax evasion.

"A more concerning issue is that purchasing foreign lottery tickets through websites/apps does not guarantee that customers will receive their winnings if they win, as it involves transferring money from abroad to Vietnam, easily leading to disputes that affect social order and security," the Ministry of Finance expressed its concern.

Regarding the purchase and distribution of domestic lottery products, the Ministry of Finance also pointed out that websites that purchase and distribute traditional domestic lottery products on behalf of others are violating regulations on distribution methods and distribution areas.

The Ministry of Finance believes that these activities pose many risks that could disrupt social order and security; create difficulties in the management and operation of the lottery market by regulatory agencies; evade taxes, create unfair competition with agents, and affect budget revenue; and risk being exploited for disguised gambling or defrauding customers.

The Ministry of Finance fears that buying lottery tickets online could be a disguised form of gambling . The Ministry of Finance believes that websites that help people purchase traditional domestic lottery tickets, as well as distribute foreign lottery tickets, pose many risks that could disrupt social order and security, and may be exploited for disguised gambling or defrauding customers.

Source