Photo courtesy of VN Express

Police in Da Nang, Vietnam, dismantled an illegal gambling operation at the Wyndham Soleil Danang Hotel on April 13. During the raid, authorities detained 86 individuals involved in gambling activities managed by two Chinese nationals disguised as a sports club. The operation collected over VND637 million ($24,200) from entry fees.

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The investigation revealed that the gambling ring operated under the guise of a company named LPT Entertainment Da Nang. Officially registered as a sports business, the company organized fake poker tournaments at the hotel. The suspects, Chinese nationals Chang Heng Kit and Lei Wai Nga, along with two Vietnamese men, ran the club offering poker "training tournaments" with entry fees ranging from VND3-3.4 million ($114-$129).

To mask the illegal activity, winnings were not distributed in cash. Instead, prizes included phones and hotel vouchers, which were later converted to money. Chang Heng Kit supervised the operation, while Lei Wai Nga managed the financial aspects. Huynh Tam Thanh and Dinh Van Hung assisted in day-to-day operations, with defined roles for each member from management to dealing and cashiering.

The raid underscores the ongoing issue of illegal gambling in Vietnam, where only a few licensed casinos are permitted. Despite restrictions, underground gambling disguised as recreational venues poses a challenge for local authorities. Da Nang, a key tourist destination, has witnessed a rise in such covert operations amid its luxury hotel development boom.

Authorities have confiscated 21 poker tables, a player management system, and over 100 mobile phones used in the operation. The investigation continues as police seek to curb similar unlawful activities across the region.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 15 Apr 2026

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