Vietnam Police Target XoilacTV Network as iGaming Demand Declines

Vietnamese police in Hung Yen have recommended the prosecution of 74 individuals tied to the XoilacTV illegal sports streaming operation, which investigators say pulled in over VND 133 billion (about $5 million) through gambling advertising. The crackdown, announced on September 9, directly addresses copyright infringement and unlicensed gambling promotion at a time when Vietnam’s measurable iGaming demand fell sharply.

XoilacTV’s Operation and Revenue Model

Authorities allege XoilacTV streamed 1,529 football matches without proper rights. Revenue primarily came from embedding gambling adverts within these illicit broadcasts. The police report names two associated sub-brands — “90 Phut” and “Cakhia” — which investigators say played roles in distributing the unauthorized content and supporting the monetisation structure.

Police cite three main offences in the case:

• Copyright infringement via unauthorized sports streaming
• Organising and facilitating online gambling
• Distribution of obscene material

The case underscores the scale and structure of illicit content networks where streaming and gambling promotion are intertwined. Investigators claim combined ad-driven activity generated an estimated $5 million before the enforcement action.

Vietnam iGaming Demand Drops by Over 26%

Enforcement against XoilacTV occurred just as measurable demand for iGaming in Vietnam dropped significantly. According to data from Blask, a search attention index for iGaming markets, demand across Vietnam fell by 26.2% week-on-week in the seven days from September 7 to 13. The authorities, referencing Blask’s tracking, suggest the shutdown of XoilacTV could have reduced the visibility of gambling opportunities, directly impacting consumer interest as recorded in indexed search volumes.

Blask Index operates by tracking normalized search activity around monitored iGaming brands and market keywords, rather than measuring traffic to the infringing network itself. The metric is viewed as a proxy for user interest and active engagement with legal and grey-market brands in each country. The press statement from Vietnamese authorities points to the same time window for the streaming crackdown and the reported demand decline, hinting at possible causality but stopping short of explicit attribution.

Alleged Offences and Prosecution Steps

The authorities have referred the case for prosecution, naming 74 suspects for involvement across XoilacTV and its sub-brands. The police report describes a multi-pronged set of allegations, including copyright abuse, organizing gambling, and circulating obscene materials online.

The exact progress of prosecution will depend on the review by Vietnam's judicial authorities. The cited revenue figure — over 133 billion Vietnamese dong — reflects police estimates based on advertising activity and the scale of unlicensed broadcasts.

"Removing an ad-driven gambling promotion network could reduce visibility for gambling activity captured by Blask’s tracking," stated the official press release issued alongside the referral.

Broader Implications for Vietnam’s iGaming Market

The XoilacTV action illustrates heightened policing of unregulated content networks and their impact on advertising in the region. Authorities and industry tracking providers, such as Blask, now measure market demand via search interest rather than server traffic, giving regulators and platform vendors new visibility into consumer behaviour.

For local and international operators, the episode highlights the risks of associating with unlicensed ad networks in Vietnam’s evolving regulatory landscape. The reported shift in search demand will be monitored by supply-side stakeholders as enforcement pressure on black or grey-market channels persists.

Outlook for Operators and Advertisers in Vietnam

While Vietnam has not yet established a comprehensive legal framework for online gambling, recent enforcement signals a willingness to use copyright and advertising law against content distributors. Market observers will watch whether these actions have a lasting effect on demand and if formal licensing mechanisms develop in response to persistent offshore and illegal offerings.

Vendors and advertisers looking to enter or maintain a presence in Vietnam face a complex landscape where both consumer demand data and legal risk shift quickly. The impact on Blask’s Index will likely inform future marketing and compliance strategies for iGaming brands considering this market.