Trading game items with real money may be fined
According to point b, clause 3, Article 101 of Decree 174/2026/ND-CP, players who buy and sell virtual items or virtual units or bonus points in online electronic games are fined from 2 million VND to 3 million VND. This fine applies to individuals and takes effect from July 1, 2026.
The above regulations are built on the basis of Clause 5, Article 57 of Decree 147/2024/ND-CP, which requires players not to buy or sell virtual items, virtual units and bonus points with each other.
Many gamer habits need to be changed
Previously, the transfer of rare items, selling money in games or exchanging bonus points between players was quite common in many online games.
From July 1st, transactions that generate the purchase and sale of virtual items, virtual units or bonus points in real money are all subject to penalties according to new regulations.
Players are still allowed to use virtual items and units within the game's scope according to the mechanism established by the service provider. However, buying and selling between players is not permitted by law.
What should gamers pay attention to from July 1st?
To avoid violations, players need to note:
- Do not buy or sell virtual items, virtual units, bonus points with other players.
- Do not convert game items into real money via bank transfer or other forms of payment.
- Only use transaction mechanisms permitted by the game publishing enterprise within the game system.
