Gambling and prevention measures of the Vietnamese monarchies between the 15th and 19th centuries

Abstract

During the 15th to 19th centuries, the evils of drinking, gambling, theft, opium smoking, etc. appeared and widely spread in Vietnamese society. Among them, gambling, appeared in many forms, became a problem of the whole society when attracting the participation from all walks of life regardless of status, gender, and region. Falling into gambling not only causes damage to the material and spiritual life of the gamblers themselves and their families, but also degrades the Confucian ideology of the state. Realizing these consequences, Vietnam’s feudal dynasties issued and implemented various measures that were both educational and propaganda as well as deterrent and strict punishment to prohibit and limit this evil.