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WHY 2026 WILL BE A LANDMARK YEAR FOR THE GROWTH OF VIETNAMESE POKER

Following the 2023 poker boom in Vietnam—marked by a surge of international events such as the debut of the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Hoi An, the APT Hanoi Billions, and the launch of the Asian Poker Festival—it seemed the industry was hitting its stride.

2026-03-16T03:33:55.560Z4 min readBánh CuốnShare
WHY 2026 WILL BE A LANDMARK YEAR FOR THE GROWTH OF VIETNAMESE POKER

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Following the 2023 poker boom in Vietnam—marked by a surge of international events such as the debut of the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Hoi An, the APT Hanoi Billions, and the launch of the Asian Poker Festival—it seemed the industry was hitting its stride. However, that momentum faced a sudden halt by year-end. International series like the WPT and APT were forced to cancel, and domestic circuits fell silent. Through the first half of 2025, the Vietnamese poker scene remained quiet on the international stage, focusing primarily on local daily tournaments. It wasn't until the latter half of 2025 that positive signs re-emerged, setting the stage for 2026 to be a year of true evolution.

Here are the five key reasons why the Vietnamese poker landscape is set to return stronger in 2026, shifting from mere numerical growth to a more profound and sustainable development.

1. Clubs Hosting Their Own Series

Major clubs are now taking the lead in organizing high-quality series. Royal Poker Club has established its RPT Championship, while Dragon Poker Tour made a splash with its Grand Opening Series. Additionally, Center Point Poker Club is celebrating its anniversary with the promising Center-P Poker Master series. A notable highlight for early 2026 is the powerful comeback of GLPC by the Grand Loyal Poker Club.

2. The Success of Independent Organizers (Vietnam Poker Tour)

Beyond established clubs, the Vietnam Poker Tour (VPT) Championship has emerged as a successful independent entity, hosting two hit series in Phu Quoc during 2025. This success paves the way for future VPT events in diverse locations outside of Hanoi. This trend promotes "experiential poker," boosting local tourism by offering players a blend of high-stakes mental sports and luxury vacationing.

3. Expansion Beyond Hanoi

Provinces across the country are increasingly interested in the poker business model. Notably, Solaire Poker and Elite Poker in Hai Phong have established professional, long-term operations. Elite Poker Club has even invested in a dedicated livestream table—a significant move considering that, until recently, only major hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City utilized RFID technology. This investment will likely shift how local clubs approach poker media. New clubs have also opened in Thai Nguyen, and while the player base is still growing, it satisfies the local demand for this intellectual sport. Meanwhile, players in Ho Chi Minh City now have more options beyond the long-standing Saigon Poker Room. Despite the unfortunate hiatus of DPT in Da Nang, the coastal city remains a high-potential hub for future growth in provinces like Ha Long, Lao Cai, and Bac Ninh.

A significant signal for the industry is the Ministry of Public Security's recent clarifications regarding legal vs. illegal poker. While many are still unaware, poker has been recognized as an intellectual sport in Vietnam since 2016. Current regulations stipulate that:

  • Legal: Competitions must be organized as Tournaments authorized by competent authorities, with public regulations, athlete lists, and transparent prize structures. Players pay a fixed entry fee, which covers organizational costs and the prize pool; winnings are subject to standard tax laws.

  • Illegal: Playing poker as a Cash Game (using cash or chips directly exchangeable for cash to gamble) remains strictly prohibited under anti-gambling laws.

5. The Evolution of Poker Media

In a major win for enthusiasts, VTV Cab has signed a media agreement with the Korean poker magazine HOLD’EM. While specific content is yet to be announced, this collaboration with a national broadcaster will undoubtedly bring poker to a much wider Vietnamese audience in 2026. Furthermore, since 2023, specialized poker media companies have begun to form, employing better-trained and more creative staff. This "poker media" niche is becoming increasingly attractive to investors, ensuring that new players access poker through official, legal channels rather than viewing it through the lens of illegal gambling.

CONCLUSION

In reality, poker in Vietnam should not just explode in popularity; it needs to develop with depth and sustainability. While the game has reached many over the years, negative stigmas still linger. To truly flourish, the industry requires a clear legal framework, a healthy community, and a collective effort to place poker in its rightful category: AN INTELLECTUAL SPORT. 2026 promises to be the year of this powerful transformation.