HANOI: Punters in gambling-mad Vietnam cheered the easing of a ban on sports betting on Saturday, as the communist government moves to bring a booming black market industry above board.

Vietnam has long barred locals from gambling of any form, allowing only a few foreigner-only casinos.

But the law is widely flouted — especially in the run-up to major sporting events.

On Friday, the government announced a pilot programme that would allow Vietnamese citizens over the age of 21 to place wagers on international football matches.

It follows a similar announcement last month that said citizens would be permitted to hedge bets in local casinos from mid-March.

“The matches and tournaments for international football betting must be recognised by FIFA,” the new decree said.

Published in Dawn February 5th, 2017