Vietnam Targets Gambling Black Market Through Marketing Network

Vietnamese authorities are focusing on the marketing side of the black market in a move aimed at disrupting illegal gambling activity at its source. In Hanoi, police have raided the offices of digital marketing company Super Thi Seo Media Services and arrested its CEO, Pham Ngoc Manh, after allegations that the group was helping drive traffic to illegal gambling websites.

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Raid And Seizures

According to local media outlet VietnamNet, police said the network generated large amounts of traffic and revenue through its promotion of illegal sites. Reports alleged that about VND3.7bn, or £105,830, was generated from promoting illegal websites from the beginning of 2026.

The raid also led to the discovery of about VND7bn, or £199,714, in cash and assets converted from cryptocurrency holdings. Police additionally found a savings account containing VND3bn, or £85,736, along with 29 computers and 41 mobile phones.

Crypto Payments At Centre

Cryptocurrency appears to have played a central role in the alleged operation. Manh is accused of using 41 electronic wallets to receive payments from illegal websites, linking the marketing business directly to the financial flow behind the suspected network.

The situation is significant since it moves the discussion away from the gamblers’ operators and towards the individuals and businesses that contribute to maintaining their activities. In this instance, that included both digital marketing and payment channels.

Wider Enforcement Angle

The approach being used in Vietnam is in line with a wider dilemma that has arisen as part of discussions regarding the ways to combat illegal gambling: whether attacking the marketing channel will be more effective for the process compared to attacking the operators themselves. The role played by affiliates, marketing channels, and payment processing companies has been increasingly under scrutiny.

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The article notes that this approach has already seen some success in other Asian markets. In Japan, the National Police Agency said earlier this year that 25 of the 221 people arrested in 2025 on suspicion of illegal gambling activity were operators, affiliates, or payment processors linked to online gambling networks.

Regional Pressure Points

In addition, Japan has reached out to the authorities of Malta, Curaçao, the Isle of Man, and the Philippines, asking to prevent access of the Japanese to the gambling services or at least to remove the support for the Japanese language. The nation takes a hard stand on online gambling, opting for tighter control rather than regulation because of the associated social risks.

At the same time, Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has continued to back integrated resorts as a way to support economic growth. A roadmap has now been set out for a new round of applications for local governments interested in hosting such a resort.

Focus On The Funnel

Vietnam’s case shows how authorities are increasingly looking beyond the visible gambling websites and toward the marketing and payment networks that help them operate. By targeting that layer, the country is attempting to interrupt the flow of traffic and money that keeps the black market moving.

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Source: iGaming Expert