CIRCULAR

Guidelines for operating lottery products with selected computerized numbers

Pursuant to Decree No. 30/2007/NĐ-CP dated March 1, 2007 of the Government on lottery business and Decree No. 78/2012/NĐ-CP dated October 5, 2012 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles of Decree No. 30/2007/NĐ-CP dated March 1, 2007 of the Government on lottery business;

Pursuant to Decree No. 87/2017/NĐ-CP dated July 26, 2017, issued by the Government, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Finance;

Implementing Decision No. 1109/QĐ-TTg dated July 11, 2011 of the Prime Minister approving the Project to establish a company for operating lottery products with selected computerized numbers in Vietnam;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Banking and Financial Institutions;

The Minister of Finance issues this Circular guiding the operation of lottery products with selected computerized numbers.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Circular guides the operation of lottery products with selected computerized numbers.

2. This Circular applies to companies operating lottery products with selected computerized numbers established and legally operating in Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as lottery companies), participants in the lottery products with selected computerized numbers, lottery agents, and organizations, individuals related to the operation and management of lottery products with selected computerized numbers.

3. This Circular does not apply to the operation of lottery products with selected computerized numbers of the Joint Stock Company of Lottery Products for Construction Fund of Hanoi.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. "Lottery product with selected computerized numbers" refers to a type of lottery issued through terminal devices, fixed telephones, mobile phones, or the Internet, allowing participants to select one or more numbers to participate in the lottery according to the Rules of Participation for each type of product announced by the lottery company.

2. "Amount of participation" refers to the amount of money that participants spend to participate in lottery products with selected computerized numbers as stipulated in the Rules of Participation.

3. "Lottery product with selected matrix numbers" refers to a type of lottery where participants choose one or more specific numbers within a natural number matrix to participate in the lottery.

4. "Lottery product with selected sequence numbers" refers to a type of lottery where participants choose one or more specific numbers within a natural number sequence to participate in the lottery.

5. "Lottery product with quick draw selected numbers" refers to a type of lottery where participants choose one or more specific numbers within a set of numbers to participate in the lottery; the time interval between consecutive draws on the same day is specified in the Rules of Participation.

6. "Lottery ticket with selected computerized numbers in certificate form" refers to lottery tickets issued through terminal devices and handed over to participants when they participate in the lottery.

7. "Lottery ticket with selected computerized numbers in electronic form" refers to digital files in the form of symbols, sounds, or other information recording the participation of participants through distribution methods via fixed telephones, mobile phones, or the Internet as prescribed in this Circular.

8. "Participation account" refers to the account of participants to participate in the lottery through distribution methods via fixed telephones, mobile phones, and the Internet as prescribed in this Circular.

9. "Planned prize payout ratio" refers to the percentage (%) between the total value of all prize categories and the total value of tickets expected to be issued in each draw round.

10. "Fixed prize payout method" refers to a prize payout method where the value of the prize awarded to participants is predetermined by a specific amount of money or predetermined by a specific number of times (calculated using arithmetic progression) compared to the amount of money that participants have participated in the lottery.

11. "Variable prize payout method based on revenue" refers to a prize payout method where the value of the prize awarded to participants is calculated as a percentage (%) of actual sales revenue in each issuance round of the lottery company.

12. "Server" refers to an electronic device system used to manage, process, and store information on participation in lottery products with selected computerized numbers of participants.

13. "Terminal device" refers to a fixed or mobile electronic device used to record participating numbers, print tickets for participants in lottery products with selected computerized numbers, and check winning tickets directly operated by the lottery company or delegated to lottery agents to operate.

Chapter II

LOTTERY PRODUCTS WITH SELECTED COMPUTERIZED NUMBERS, PARTICIPANTS AND RULES OF PARTICIPATION

Article 3. Lottery products for voluntary selection of computer-generated numbers

1. Lottery products for voluntary selection of computer-generated numbers include the following product groups:

a) Lottery for voluntary selection of numbers according to matrix;

b) Lottery for voluntary selection of numbers according to number sequence;

c) Lottery for voluntary selection of numbers with quick draw;

d) Other lottery products for voluntary selection of computer-generated numbers as decided by the Ministry of Finance.

2. Based on the product groups of lottery for voluntary selection of computer-generated numbers as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and based on market surveys, the lottery company shall develop a specific product catalog expected to be issued, report to the Ministry of Finance for consideration and approval in accordance with Article 34 of this Circular before implementation.

3. Lottery products for voluntary selection of computer-generated numbers must be established in accordance with the following principles:

a) The method of participating in the draw must ensure clarity, simplicity, and ease of understanding;

b) Suitability with market demand and preferences of participants;

c) Payment methods and planned payment ratios must be appropriate for each specific product and prize structure as prescribed in this Circular.

Article 4. Participants in the Draw

1. Participants in the draw for lottery for voluntary selection of computer-generated numbers must meet all the conditions stipulated below:

a) They are Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam or Vietnamese citizens residing abroad who have legally entered Vietnam or foreigners who have legally entered Vietnam;

b) They are individuals aged eighteen years or older;

c) They are individuals with full capacity for civil conduct under Vietnamese law, except where international treaties to which Vietnam is a party provide otherwise.

2. Rights of participants in the draw:

a) To receive full payment from the lottery company when winning according to the Rules for Participation in the Draw;

b) To request the lottery company to keep confidential information about winning and claiming prizes;

c) To enjoy other legitimate rights as prescribed in the Rules for Participation in the Draw.

3. Obligations of participants in the draw:

a) To comply with the Rules for Participation in the Draw and related provisions in this Circular;

b) When winning, participants in the draw must present the winning lottery ticket and documents proving their eligibility to participate in the draw as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article to claim the prize;

c) To fulfill tax obligations as prescribed by law.

Article 5. Value of Participation in the Draw Encouragement and Reward

The value for one (01) participation in the draw for each lottery product for voluntary selection of computer-generated numbers is a maximum of ten thousand Vietnamese dong (VND 10,000). The specific value for one (01) participation in the draw is determined by the lottery company and specified in the Rules for Participation in the Draw.

Article 6. Rules for Participation in the Draw Encouragement and Reward

1. The lottery company has the responsibility to establish Rules for Participation in the Draw for each lottery product for voluntary selection of computer-generated numbers. The Rules for Participation in the Draw must include the following main contents:

a) Product name;

b) Name of the issuing company;

c) Participants in the draw and conditions for participation;

d) Method of participation in the draw;

đ) Value for one (01) participation in the draw;

e) Method of determining the winning results;

g) Number of prizes and prize structure;

h) Distribution method of the product;

i) Schedule for drawing numbers;

k) Conditions for claiming prizes for winning lottery tickets for voluntary selection of computer-generated numbers;

l) Responsibilities and rights of participants in the draw;

m) Responsibilities and powers of the lottery company;

n) Recommendations for participants in the draw to control the level of participation.

2. After receiving the approval document from the Ministry of Finance as stipulated in Article 34 of this Circular, the lottery company must publicly announce the Rules for Participation in the Draw before issuing the product.

3. Public announcement of the Rules for Participation in the Draw shall be carried out through posting at the headquarters, branches, and offices/shops (if any) of the lottery company, lottery agents, publishing on the company's website, distributing leaflets to agents and participants in the draw, or other mass media as prescribed by law.

Article 7. Prize payout ratio and prize structure

1. The planned prize payout ratio for each product shall be established by the lottery company but must not exceed sixty percent (60%) of the total value of anticipated issued lottery tickets.

2. The lottery company is responsible for establishing the planned prize payout ratio, number of prizes, and prize structure suitable for each lottery product, to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance for examination and approval in accordance with Article 34 and the Participation Rules stipulated in Article 6 of this Circular.

Article 8. Prize payout methods

1. Prize payout methods for lottery products include:

a) Fixed prize payout method;

b) Prize payout method that varies according to revenue;

c) Combination of both prize payout methods specified in points a and b of this clause.

2. Based on the prize payout methods prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, the lottery company selects appropriate prize payout methods for each type of lottery product and submits them to the Ministry of Finance for examination and approval when approving the list of lottery products as stipulated in Article 34 of this Circular.

Chapter III

ISSUE AND DISTRIBUTION OF LOTTERY TICKETS

Article 9. Methods of distributing lottery tickets

Lottery tickets are distributed through the following methods:

1. Direct sale to customers via terminal devices.

2. Through fixed-line telephones and mobile phones.

3. Through the Internet. This distribution method can only be implemented after approval from the Ministry of Finance.

10. Territory for issuing lottery tickets

1. Territory for issuing lottery tickets through terminal device distribution methods: The lottery company may operate nationwide. Specific operating territories must be reported to the Ministry of Finance for approval before implementation.

2. Territory for issuing lottery tickets through fixed-line telephones, mobile phones, and the Internet: The lottery company may operate nationwide.

11. Time for issuing lottery tickets

1. Lottery tickets are issued daily except for special cases announced by the lottery company.

2. The lottery company is responsible for publicly announcing non-issue days at least five (05) working days prior to the non-issue day of lottery tickets. Public announcement of non-issue days is conducted through posting at the main office, branches, and offices/shops (if any) of the lottery company, lottery retailers, and publication on the company's website or other mass media.

3. The issuance of lottery tickets by the lottery company must end no later than fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled draw time as stipulated in Article 17 of this Circular. For quick-draw lottery products, ticket issuance must end before the draw begins.

Article 12. Lottery tickets for self-selected electronic numbers

1. Lottery tickets for self-selected electronic numbers may be issued in the form of certificates or electronic data, depending on the product distribution methods as prescribed in Article 9 of this Circular.

2. Lottery tickets for self-selected electronic numbers in the form of certificates must contain the following basic contents:

a) Name of the issuing company;

b) Name of the self-selected electronic number lottery product;

c) Prize number;

d) Participation value for the prize draw;

đ) Date and time of ticket issuance;

e) Draw date, claim period;

g) Symbol of the ticket seller or terminal device;

h) Ticket identification code and symbol to prevent counterfeiting;

i) Other information as required by the electronic lottery company in accordance with the provisions of the law.

3. Lottery tickets for self-selected electronic numbers in the form of electronic data must contain the following basic contents:

a) Contents prescribed in points a, b, c, d, đ and e of Clause 2 of this Article;

b) Customer's account number for participation in the prize draw.

4. Provisions regarding cancellation of purchased electronic lottery tickets before the draw time

a) Electronic lottery tickets distributed through terminal devices

- For matrix-based and sequence-based self-selected number lottery products: Participants in the prize draw may cancel their self-selected electronic lottery tickets purchased through the terminal device at the place of purchase no later than thirty (30) minutes before the draw time. Canceled self-selected electronic lottery tickets will no longer have claim value.

- For quick-spinning self-selected number lottery products: Participants in the prize draw may not cancel their purchased electronic lottery tickets.

b) Electronic lottery tickets distributed through fixed-line telephones, mobile phones, or the Internet: Participants in the prize draw may not cancel their purchased electronic lottery tickets.

Article 13. Selection Number Card for Self-Selected Electronic Number Lottery

1. The selection number card for self-selected electronic number lottery is used to guide participants in the prize draw in:

a) Selecting numbers for participation in the prize draw or confirming acceptance of quick number selection and handing over to the seller for entry into the terminal device;

b) Checking and verifying the accuracy between the self-selected electronic number lottery ticket for participation in the prize draw and the numbers selected by the participant at the time of ticket delivery.

2. The selection number card for self-selected electronic number lottery does not have claim value.

3. The selection number card for self-selected electronic number lottery must meet the following requirements:

a) Clearly printed, containing all necessary information to facilitate participation in the prize draw by the participant;

b) Specific instructions on how to mark the selected numbers for participation in the prize draw.

Article 14. Participant's Account for Participation in the Prize Draw

1. Participants in self-selected electronic number lotteries through fixed-line telephones, mobile phones, or the Internet must have a participant's account registered with the electronic lottery company to participate in the prize draw.

2. When registering a participant's account, the participant is responsible for declaring and bearing responsibility for the declared information. The declaration information of the participant must include the following contents:

a) Full name of the participant;

b) Date of birth;

c) National identity card number or citizen identification card number or passport number, issue date, issuing authority;

d) Registration area for participation in the prize draw;

đ) Account opened at organizations providing non-cash payment services or intermediary payment service organizations in accordance with the law on non-cash payments;

e) Other contents as stipulated by the electronic lottery company.

3. After the participant registers to open a participant's account, the electronic lottery company issues an account number and initial password for the participant to access when participating in the prize draw. The participant is responsible for managing and protecting their account and password during use.

4. In cases where the participant does not belong to the category of participants as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 4 of this Circular, the electronic lottery company has the right to refuse to pay the prize when the participant wins.

Article 15. Lottery agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers 1. A lottery agent for self-selected computerized lottery numbers is an organization or individual that enters into a contract with a computerized lottery company to sell tickets and pay winnings to customers when they win. The lottery agent for self-selected computerized lottery numbers may enter into contracts with organizations or individuals to sell computerized lottery tickets at the correct price and earn remuneration from commission. These organizations and individuals are also considered to be engaging in agency activities for self-selected computerized lottery numbers. The lottery agent for self-selected computerized lottery numbers has the responsibility to notify the computerized lottery company of the organizations and individuals who have entered into contracts to sell lottery tickets for tax management purposes.

2. Conditions for becoming a lottery agent for self-selected computerized lottery numbers shall be implemented according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 12 of Decree No. 30/2007/NĐ-CP dated March 1, 2007 of the Government on lottery business, and any subsequent amendments, supplements, or replacements (if any). In addition, the following organizations and individuals are not allowed to become lottery agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers:

a) Staff working at organizations participating in operating the self-selected computerized lottery system with the computerized lottery company (if any);

b) Spouse, father, foster father, mother, foster mother, child, foster child, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, foster brother, foster sister of individuals holding positions of deputy director or higher in departments or divisions of organizations participating in operating the self-selected computerized lottery system with the computerized lottery company (if any);

c) Economic organizations having capital contributions from spouses, fathers, foster fathers, mothers, foster mothers, children, foster children, brothers, sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, foster brothers, foster sisters of individuals holding positions of deputy director or higher in departments or divisions of organizations participating in operating the self-selected computerized lottery system with the computerized lottery company (if any);

3. Lottery agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers must meet the following standards:

a) Having a stable place of business with sufficient floor area, facilities, and other necessary conditions to install the ticket-selling system for self-selected computerized lottery numbers;

b) Having employees qualified to operate the ticket-selling system for self-selected computerized lottery numbers proficiently, confirmed or certified by the computerized lottery company;

c) Providing a written commitment to comply fully with all regulations of the computerized lottery company upon becoming a lottery agent for self-selected computerized lottery numbers.

4. Agency Contracts:

An agency contract for self-selected computerized lottery numbers must include the following basic contents:

a) Name, address, and representative of the parties entering into the agency contract for self-selected computerized lottery numbers;

b) Product tickets for self-selected computerized lottery numbers to be sold;

c) Distribution methods for products permitted to be issued;

d) Commission rate, payment rate for authorized prize distribution (if applicable);

đ) Payment location and method, payment time, and payment period;

e) Ticket sales revenue commitment of the lottery agent for self-selected computerized lottery numbers. The sales revenue commitment of the lottery agent for self-selected computerized lottery numbers can be adjusted during each period according to the policy of the computerized lottery company;

g) Measures to ensure the fulfillment of payment obligations;

h) Rights and obligations of the parties entering into the contract;

i) Handling violations and commitments to compensate for losses due to breach of contract.

5. Payment for ticket sales and ensuring payment obligations of lottery agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers:

k) Duration of the contract's effectiveness.

a) Payment for ticket sales of self-selected computerized lottery numbers:

- The lottery agent for self-selected computerized lottery numbers must pay the full amount of ticket sales to the computerized lottery company;

- If the computerized lottery company allows the lottery agent to owe money for ticket sales, the maximum debt period is fifteen (15) days from the date of the draw. Based on actual conditions, characteristics of issuance, and the number of draws for each self-selected computerized lottery product, the computerized lottery company will decide specifically about the deadline for completing the payment of lottery ticket purchases by agents, ensuring it does not exceed the above-mentioned period;

- When the payment deadline for ticket sales is reached and the lottery agent for self-selected computerized lottery numbers fails to make payment or makes insufficient payment to the computerized lottery company according to the signed agency contract, the computerized lottery company has the right to stop issuing tickets from those lottery agents and apply necessary measures to recover ticket sales payments according to the law on secured transactions, asset disposal, and related laws;

b) Ensuring payment obligations of lottery agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers:

- The computerized lottery company must require lottery agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers to provide collateral assets to secure payment obligations;

- Measures to ensure payment obligations of lottery agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers to the computerized lottery company are carried out according to the provisions of Article 13 of Decree No. 30/2007/NĐ-CP dated March 1, 2007 of the Government on lottery business, and any subsequent amendments, supplements, or replacements (if any), and the law on secured transactions;

- The level of securing payment obligations of lottery agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers to the computerized lottery company is specified as follows:

+ For lottery ticket agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers who have committed to ticket sales revenue with the computerized lottery company but have not yet issued lottery tickets, the minimum level of securing payment obligations is determined by subtracting the commission earned according to regulations from the committed ticket sales revenue;

+ For lottery ticket agents for self-selected computerized lottery numbers who have determined actual ticket sales revenue, the level of securing payment obligations is determined by subtracting the commission earned according to regulations from 100% of the average actual ticket sales revenue over the three (03) weeks immediately preceding the current period;

- The procedures for registering secured transactions for assets used to secure payment obligations are carried out according to the law on secured transactions.

- The procedure and formalities for registering security transactions concerning assets used to secure payment obligations shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Security Transactions;

- The lottery company must evaluate the value of assets used to secure payment obligations at the time of receiving such assets; periodically re-evaluate or conduct re-evaluation when necessary. For immovable property, movable property, etc., if the lottery company lacks the capacity to assess their value, the lottery company may hire organizations with appraisal functions to determine the value of assets used for securing payments. The cost of asset valuation shall be included in the operating expenses of the lottery company.

6. The lottery company is responsible for establishing and promulgating general standards regarding floor area, design, infrastructure, necessary conditions for installing lottery ticket sales systems, standards for operating lottery ticket sales systems, and other regulations concerning lottery agents that are suitable for each method of distributing electronic lottery tickets as required by management.

7. Based on the conditions and standards for lottery agents stipulated in Clauses 2, 3, and 6 of this Article, the lottery company selects organizations and individuals who meet the requirements to act as lottery agents. The selection of lottery agents must ensure transparency, fairness, and objectivity.

8. Lottery agents are responsible for fully fulfilling tax obligations to the state as prescribed by law.

Chapter IV

ORGANIZATION OF PRIZE DRAW AND SUPERVISION OF PRIZE DRAW

Section 1

ORGANIZATION OF PRIZE DRAW

Article 16. Prize draw schedule Encouragement and Reward

The lottery company is permitted to organize prize draws up to three (03) times a week for each electronic lottery product (excluding quick draw lottery products). The prize draw schedule for each electronic lottery product shall be approved by the Ministry of Finance in accordance with Clause 3 of Article 34 of this Circular.

Article 17. Location and Time of Prize Draw 1. The prize draw for electronic lottery shall be conducted at the main office of the lottery company or at other locations but must be within the administrative boundaries of the province or city where the lottery company's main office is located.

Article 18. Ball Cage Prize Draw Equipment

The ball cage prize draw equipment and management requirements for ball cage prize draw equipment shall be implemented in accordance with Article 25 of Circular No. 75/2013/TT-BTC dated June 4, 2013, issued by the Ministry of Finance detailing the operation of lottery businesses and any subsequent amendments, supplements, or replacements (if any).

Article 19. Electronic Prize Draw System

1. The electronic prize draw system includes:

a) Automatic prize draw equipment, including: Hardware and software automatic prize draw systems;

b) Camera and screen systems for monitoring the automatic prize draw equipment.

2. Requirements for automatic prize draw equipment:

a) Must have clear origin, meeting the standards and technical specifications according to the manufacturer's design and being tested by an independent testing company;

b) Must operate safely, stably, and ensure complete randomness without any external interference affecting the prize draw results;

c) Must have at least one (01) backup device;

d) Must be installed and operated in a separate area and sealed throughout the operation to ensure that all unauthorized persons cannot interfere with the hardware and software of the automatic prize draw equipment;

đ) Must be inspected and maintained regularly by the lottery company following the manufacturer's recommendations and the company's regulations, but not more than once every six (06) months.

3. Camera and screen systems for monitoring the electronic prize draw must be placed in positions ensuring full surveillance of the prize draw. Recorded images from cameras must be retained for a minimum of sixty (60) days from the date of the prize draw.

3. The system of cameras and screens for monitoring the electronic number drawing process shall be placed in positions that ensure the ability to monitor the number drawing. Video footage recorded through the cameras shall be retained for a minimum period of sixty (60) days from the date of the number drawing.

Article 20. Drawers Encouragement and Reward

The drawers of the lottery draw for self-selected number electronic lotteries shall comply with the provisions set forth in Article 26 of Circular No. 75/2013/TT-BTC dated June 4, 2013, issued by the Ministry of Finance detailing the operation of lottery business and any subsequent amendments, supplements, or replacements (if any).

Article 21. Rules for Drawing Numbers

1. The lottery company shall establish and publicly announce the rules for drawing numbers so that participants can be aware and monitor them. The rules for drawing numbers must include the following main contents:

a) Date, time, and location of the drawing;

b) Self-selected number electronic lottery products subject to the drawing;

c) Method of drawing;

d) Prizes and the order of drawing for each prize;

đ) Drawing process;

e) Technical standards, types, and operating principles of equipment used for drawing corresponding to each method of drawing;

g) List of individuals and units supervising the drawing process.

2. The rules for drawing numbers shall be established for each permitted self-selected number electronic lottery product.

3. Public announcement of the rules for drawing numbers shall be carried out through posting at the headquarters, branches, and offices/shops (if any) of the lottery company, lottery agents, and publication on the company's website, as well as public announcement at the drawing location.

Article 22. Drawing Process

1. Drawing process for the ball cage method:

a) Preparations for the drawing include the following tasks:

- Randomly selecting participants for the drawing;

- Randomly selecting sets of balls to be used for the drawing; unsealing the sets of balls to be used for the drawing;

- Unsealing the ball cage used for the drawing;

- Checking other necessary conditions to serve the drawing activity.

b) Conducting the drawing includes the following tasks:

- Trial drawing: Performing a trial drawing with the ball cage and balls to be used for the drawing. In case of any abnormalities detected, the cause must be identified to take appropriate measures such as replacing the ball cage, replacing the balls, or temporarily suspending the drawing;

- Official drawing: The official drawing is conducted in the announced order of prizes in the rules for drawing numbers.

c) Confirming the results of the drawing: The results of the drawing must be recorded in a protocol, confirmed by the Lottery Supervisory Board (hereinafter referred to as the Lottery Supervisory Board) to ensure objectivity, honesty, and compliance with the prescribed drawing procedures.

d) The entire drawing process must be inspected and confirmed by an auditing unit to ensure compliance with the drawing procedures stipulated in the publicly announced rules for drawing numbers.

2. Drawing process for the fully automated electronic system method according to the pre-set drawing schedule in the drawing software, ensuring the following principles:

a) The self-selected number electronic lottery system automatically stops selling tickets, closes sales data, and participation numbers for the draw period before the start of the drawing;

b) The drawing software generates completely random drawing results;

c) The drawing results are publicly announced through online displays at sales points or other means;

d) The data transfer process from the self-selected number electronic lottery system to the automatic drawing device and from the automatic drawing device to the displays at sales points or other means must ensure no interference with the drawing results;

đ) The hardware and software systems for the automatic drawing device store the drawing results for management purposes;

e) The lottery company is responsible under the law for ensuring the accuracy, security, stability, objectivity, and transparency of the fully automated electronic drawing process.

Article 23. Announcing the Results of Drawing Prizes

1. For lottery products with matrix-based number selection, series-based number selection, and other electronic lottery number selection products: Based on the minutes confirming the results of the prize drawing process from the Lottery Supervisory Board, the authorized representative of the electronic lottery company shall sign the announcement of the lottery number drawing results to serve as the basis for verification and awarding prizes to customers.

2. For lottery products with quick-number selection: The results of the number drawing will be publicly announced to participants through online display screens at sales points or other means.

3. The electronic lottery company has the responsibility to publicly announce the lottery drawing results after the number drawing process ends. Public announcements of the drawing results shall be made through posting them publicly at the main office, branches, management offices, and stores (if any) of the electronic lottery company, lottery agents, publishing them on the company's electronic information website, and publicly announcing them at the drawing location.

Section 2

SUPERVISION OF ELECTRONIC LOTTERY NUMBER DRAWING

Article 24. Lottery Supervisory Board

1. The electronic lottery company decides to establish the Lottery Supervisory Board for electronic lottery number selection and promulgates the Rules of Operation of the Lottery Supervisory Board to oversee the number drawing process and periodically inspect the number drawing equipment as stipulated in Articles 25 and 26 of this Circular.

2. The composition of the Lottery Supervisory Board includes the Chairman, several Vice Chairmen, and members of the Lottery Supervisory Board as follows:

a) Chairman of the Lottery Supervisory Board: is the Chairman or General Director of the electronic lottery company;

b) Vice Chairman of the Lottery Supervisory Board: is the Deputy General Director or Chief Accountant of the electronic lottery company;

d) The electronic lottery company may invite representatives of certain political-social organizations to participate in the Lottery Supervisory Board as members.

4. The electronic lottery company considers and decides to change personnel of the Lottery Supervisory Board in the following cases:

a) Transfer to another job;

b) Violation of discipline at work;

c) Violation of discipline during the performance of tasks by the Lottery Supervisory Board;

d) Resignation or retirement according to regulations;

đ) Other cases deemed necessary.

Article 25. Duties and Authorities of the Lottery Supervisory Board in Overseeing the Number Drawing Process

1. Oversight of number drawing using ball cages:

a) Duties of the Lottery Supervisory Board:

- Oversee the number drawing process of the electronic lottery company as prescribed in this Circular, ensuring transparency and fairness;

- Immediately after the end of the period for issuing electronic lottery tickets as stipulated in Article 11 of this Circular, the representative of the Lottery Supervisory Board must check the locking of the main server to ensure that the entire system cannot issue tickets immediately after this time;

- Check the quantity and origin of the number drawing equipment as prescribed in this Circular;

- Inspect the operation of the number drawing equipment before putting it into use;

- Appoint members or randomly select one of the witnesses participating in the number drawing to choose the balls used for the number drawing randomly;

- Appoint members to carry out sealing and unsealing of the number drawing equipment (ball cage, container for sets of balls, electronic scale, device to measure ball size);

- Check the arrangement of imaging devices (cameras, TV screens) to facilitate observation and monitoring of the number drawing process by the Lottery Supervisory Board and witnesses;

- Oversee compliance with regulations regarding time, location, publication of the rules of the number drawing process, and the sequence of steps in the number drawing process;

- Oversee the activities of the number drawer when performing the number drawing task;

- Sign the minutes confirming the supervised results and the number drawing results to serve as the basis for the electronic lottery company to publicly announce the number drawing results as prescribed.

- Seal the backup data disc of the prize prediction numbers for the current number drawing session.

b) Authorities of the Lottery Supervisory Board:

- Request to temporarily suspend the number drawing process in the following cases:

+ Number drawing equipment is unsealed before the Lottery Supervisory Board begins work;

+ Equipment does not meet legal requirements to ensure the objectivity and fairness of the drawing results;

+ The drawing organization does not follow the announced schedule (date, time) and location for the drawing;

+ There are signs of fraud during the number drawing process;

+ The main server and all terminal devices stop working continuously for six hours during the announced business hours;

+ The system cannot close ticket issuance before the specified time for the number drawing process;

+ There is evidence that the operation of the electronic lottery system is inaccurate, affecting the fairness between lottery participants.

- Request to redraw numbers in the following cases:

+ The number drawing organization does not follow the announced order of each prize category as stated in the number drawing rules.

+ Multiple draws result in the same outcome for a particular prize category.

2. Oversight of number drawing using electronic systems:

a) Duties of the Lottery Supervisory Board before putting electronic number drawing equipment into use:

- Inspect the quantity and origin of the number-drawing devices in accordance with this Circular, verify the certification documents of the number-drawing devices that have been certified by independent inspection companies, ensuring compliance with the standards and technical specifications according to the manufacturer's design;

- Seal the number-drawing devices and the area containing the number-drawing devices, ensuring that there is no external interference with the number-drawing devices during their operation.

b) The daily monitoring tasks of the Lottery Supervisory Council:

Sign and seal the backup data disk of the lottery number pools for each drawing session using the electronic system from the previous day. In cases where the Lottery Supervisory Council does not operate on a given day, the sealing of the backup data disk of the lottery number pools for each drawing session will be carried out on the next working day of the Lottery Supervisory Council.

c) The powers of the Lottery Supervisory Council:

Request the temporary suspension of the number-drawing sessions in the following situations:

- The equipment serving the number-drawing sessions and the area containing the number-drawing devices have been unsealed;

- The draw organization does not conduct the draw at the announced date, time, and location;

- The main server and all terminal devices cease functioning continuously for six hours during the announced business hours;

- The system cannot close the ticket issuance before the scheduled number-drawing session;

- There is evidence indicating that the operation of the computerized lottery system is inaccurate, affecting the fairness between participants in the lottery draw.

Article 26. Tasks and Powers of the Lottery Supervisory Council in Monitoring Periodic Inspection of Number-Drawing Devices

1. Tasks of the Lottery Supervisory Council: Monitor the testing operations of the ball drums and electronic number-drawing devices before they are put into use and after each maintenance period as prescribed, ensuring that the devices used for number-drawing meet the required standards.

2. Powers of the Lottery Supervisory Council: Require the lottery company to equip new, additional, remove, and replace devices that do not meet the required standards to serve the number-drawing activities.

Article 27. Tasks of the Audit Unit in Monitoring Number-Drawing Sessions and Monitoring Periodic Inspection of Number-Drawing Devices

1. The lottery company has the responsibility to hire an independent audit unit approved to perform audits for public interest entities in accordance with the law on independent auditing (hereinafter referred to as the audit unit) to verify and confirm contents related to the number-drawing sessions and periodic inspection of number-drawing devices. The specific work of the audit unit must be reflected in the audit unit's compliance report for each content related to the number-drawing sessions and the inspection of number-drawing devices.

2. Verify and confirm contents related to the number-drawing sessions including:

a) For the method of number-drawing using ball drums:

- Verify and confirm that the Lottery Supervisory Council has performed the task of locking the main server to ensure that the entire system cannot issue tickets immediately after the end of the issuance period;

- Verify and confirm compliance with the number-drawing procedures stipulated in the publicly announced rules and regulations of this Circular;

- Verify and confirm that the lottery company signs off on the revenue summary sheet;

- Verify and confirm the backup and sealing of the data of the lottery number pools for each drawing session;

- Verify and confirm that the results of the number-drawing session confirmed by the Lottery Supervisory Council match the actual results of the number-drawing session.

b) For the method of number-drawing using an electronic system:

- Verify and confirm the quantity and origin of the number-drawing devices in accordance with this Circular, the certification documents of the number-drawing devices that have been certified by independent inspection companies, ensuring compliance with the standards and technical specifications according to the manufacturer's design before being put into use;

- Verify and confirm compliance with the number-drawing procedures stipulated in the publicly announced rules and regulations of this Circular;

- Verify and confirm that the lottery company signs off on the revenue summary sheet;

- Verify and confirm the backup and sealing of the data of the lottery number pools for each drawing session;

- Verify and confirm that the results of the number-drawing session confirmed by the Lottery Supervisory Council match the results stored in the electronic system.

3. Verify and confirm contents related to the periodic inspection of number-drawing devices to ensure that the devices used for number-drawing meet the required standards.

4. Within a maximum period of three (03) years, the lottery company must change the audit unit to ensure objectivity and transparency.

Article 28. Costs for drawing prize numbers and expenses for the lottery supervision board's monitoring work

1. The costs for hiring an auditing unit to check and confirm contents related to the drawing of prize numbers, periodic inspection of the drawing equipment shall be included in the drawing prize number costs as stipulated at point a, Clause 4, Article 5 of Decree No. 122/2017/NĐ-CP dated November 13, 2017 of the Government on certain special contents regarding financial management mechanisms and effectiveness evaluation of lottery business enterprises; the Securities Trading Corporation and the Vietnam Securities Depository (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 122/2017/NĐ-CP) and any subsequent amendments, supplements, or replacements (if applicable).

2. Members of the lottery supervision board who are not employees of the lottery enterprise (if any) shall receive remuneration as stipulated at point b, Clause 4, Article 5 of Decree No. 122/2017/NĐ-CP. The level of remuneration shall be approved by the representative body of the owner based on the proposal of the lottery enterprise ensuring the principle of suitability with the content of the work performed and enhancing the responsibility of members in carrying out supervisory tasks.

Chapter V

PAYING PRIZES AND MANAGING WINNING TICKETS

Article 29. Provisions on paying lottery prizes for self-selected number lotteries

1. Prize collection period and payment time:

a) The prize collection period for winning tickets is sixty (60) days from the date of determining the winning results or from the expiration date of the circulation of the self-selected number lottery ticket. Beyond this specified period, winning tickets will no longer have value for collection;

b) Prize payments shall be made at the main office, branch, store (if any) of the lottery enterprise and authorized lottery sales agents;

c) The payment time for winning tickets by the lottery enterprise to the winner shall be no later than five (05) working days from the date of receiving the prize collection request from the customer;

d) In cases where disputes arise, the payment time may be extended until there is a formal conclusion from the competent state authority.

2. Conditions for collecting prize-winning lottery tickets:

a) For lottery tickets in certificate form: Self-selected number lottery tickets for customers participating in the draw must still be intact, unteared, unstitched, unerased, unrepaired, and within the prize collection period as prescribed.

In cases where the self-selected number lottery ticket is torn due to objective reasons but still retains sufficient evidence to determine its original shape and authenticity, and does not belong to suspicious fraudulent tickets, and the tear location does not affect the factors for determining the win, the lottery enterprise shall conduct verification and decide whether to pay the prize or refuse payment to the customer. The decision-making authority is the Chairman or General Director of the lottery enterprise according to the Participation Rules for Self-Selected Number Lottery Draws.

b) For lottery tickets in electronic form: The lottery enterprise shall decide to pay the prize to participants based on the participation information recorded and stored in the company's system compared to the information in the participant's registered account as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 12 and Article 14 of this Circular.

c) Based on the provisions at points a and b, Clause 2 of this Article, the lottery enterprise shall specify the conditions for collecting self-selected number lottery tickets in the Participation Rules for Lottery Draws.

3. Confidentiality of prize payment information:

The confidentiality of prize payment information for self-selected number lotteries shall be implemented according to Article 32 of Circular No. 75/2013/TT-BTC dated June 4, 2013 of the Ministry of Finance detailing the operation of lottery businesses and any subsequent amendments, supplements, or replacements (if applicable).

4. Delegation of prize collection:

Delegation of prize collection for self-selected number lotteries shall be carried out according to the provisions in Article 33 of Circular No. 75/2013/TT-BTC dated June 4, 2013 of the Ministry of Finance detailing the operation of lottery businesses and any subsequent amendments, supplements, or replacements (if applicable).

5. Delegation of prize payment:

a) The lottery enterprise may delegate the lottery agent to pay prizes to winning participants;

b) The delegation of prize payment must ensure the following requirements:

- Based on the agent's capacity, the lottery enterprise shall determine the value of the prize delegated for payment to each agent;

- The delegation must be reflected in the agency contract signed between the lottery enterprise and the lottery agent;

- The delegated agent must bear responsibility for the accuracy and honesty of the paid winning tickets and shall not charge any fees from the winning participants. The agent shall be responsible under the law if there are complaints from participants about the collection of fees from winning participants;

- The lottery enterprise has the right to inspect agents in their implementation of delegated prize payments. If it is found that the agent is not complying with the legal regulations and the signed contract regarding the delegation of prize payment, the lottery enterprise has the right to terminate the delegation of prize payment for the agent.

Article 30. Management of Lottery Tickets for Winning Prizes

1. For lottery tickets in the form of certificates: Implement according to the provisions stipulated in Article 35 of Circular No. 75/2013/TT-BTC dated June 4, 2013, issued by the Ministry of Finance detailing the operation of lottery business and any subsequent amendments, supplements, or replacements (if any).

In the case where lottery tickets in the form of certificates are stored electronically, management shall be carried out in accordance with current laws governing the management, storage, and destruction of electronic documents.

2. For lottery tickets in electronic form: Implement according to current laws governing the management, storage, and destruction of electronic documents.

Chapter VI

ORGANIZATION OF LOTTERY BUSINESS FOR SELF-SELECTED DIGITAL NUMBERS

Article 31. Conditions for Organizing Self-Selected Digital Number Lottery Business

1. Possessing a lottery system and equipment for self-selected digital numbers that meet technical conditions as prescribed in Article 32 of this Circular.

2. The products of self-selected digital number lotteries planned for issuance must be approved by the Ministry of Finance as stipulated in Article 34 of this Circular.

Article 32. Technical Conditions for the System of Self-Selected Digital Number Lotteries

1. Hardware conditions (servers, terminal devices):

a) Having clear origin and place of manufacture, legally imported into Vietnam (in cases imported from abroad);

b) Machinery and equipment must come with technical description manuals, installation instructions, detailed diagrams of machine parts, replacement and repair methods, lists of spare parts, operating procedures, and maintenance methods;

c) Installed according to technical specifications and manufacturer's instructions; ensuring safe and stable operation;

d) Capable of integrating at least two (02) data transmission channels to the server system to ensure at least one backup data channel when the main data transmission channel fails;

e) Having a backup server running concurrently with the main server to back up customer participation data for prize draws.

2. Software conditions:

a) Holding valid copyright as prescribed by law;

b) Designed in compliance with legal regulations and rules for participating in prize draws for each type of self-selected digital number lottery product;

c) Ensuring timely and accurate recording of participant data for prize draws, accurate calculation and determination of revenue, prize value, verification of winning ticket parameters... In cases of quick selection participation, the software must ensure complete randomness;

d) Having high security, preventing external intrusion or interference that could alter participant data and other data serving the organization of digital lottery business.

3. Data transmission conditions: Data transmission (including terminal device systems and telephone, internet systems) for self-selected digital number lottery business must meet the following basic conditions:

a) High stability, with sufficient traffic and speed to meet the requirements for timely information exchange and processing between servers, terminal devices, telephone systems, and directly related equipment;

b) Ensuring security and confidentiality of user telephone service information in accordance with legal regulations;

c) Ensuring the accurate and complete recording of all participation data (in file or audio format) of participants to serve as a basis for management, supervision, and prize distribution activities of the digital lottery company.

Article 33. Operation of the system and management, exploitation of lottery data for self-selected computerized numbers

1. Organization operating the self-selected computerized number lottery system:

a) The Lottery Computer Company shall be responsible for organizing the management and operation of the self-selected computerized number lottery system in accordance with the provisions of the law. Lottery self-selection computerized number ticket sales agents operate the lottery self-selection computerized number ticket selling devices according to the guidance of the Lottery Computer Company and are responsible for the devices they manage under the contracts signed between the parties. Online social network service providers and telecommunications enterprises participating in the business of self-selected computerized number lotteries shall be responsible for ensuring cybersecurity and information security in accordance with the provisions of the law;

b) The self-selected computerized number lottery system (servers, terminal devices, and other synchronized devices) must be inspected, maintained, and serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations and the Lottery Computer Company's regulations to ensure safe and accurate operational requirements;

c) The Lottery Computer Company shall be responsible for resolving issues faced by participants in the draw, lottery self-selection computerized number ticket sales agents, and other interested parties, and promptly handling technical incidents that occur during the system operation.

2. Management and exploitation of data from the self-selected computerized number lottery server:

a) The Lottery Computer Company shall be responsible for issuing regulations on the management and exploitation of data from the server to serve the company's business activities. Server data must meet the requirements of truthfulness and accuracy;

b) The Ministry of Finance, inspection agencies, and supervisory bodies according to their functions, tasks, and authorities have the right to access and request the Lottery Computer Company to provide server data to serve management and supervision work during the execution of assigned tasks, but they must bear responsibility for managing information and not disclose it according to state confidentiality regulations;

c) Lottery business data must be stored for a minimum period of five (05) years, starting from the end date of the accounting year. Necessary data must be extracted and printed as vouchers to serve financial management and accounting records of the Lottery Computer Company according to prescribed regulations.

Article 34. Approval of self-selected computerized number lottery products

1. Each self-selected computerized number lottery product intended for issuance must be approved by the Ministry of Finance. The content of each self-selected computerized number lottery product includes:

a) Draft Rules for participation in the draw according to the contents stipulated in Article 6 of this Circular;

b) Planned prize payout ratio as stipulated in Article 7 of this Circular;

c) Prize payout method as stipulated in Article 8 of this Circular;

d) Product distribution method as stipulated in Article 9 of this Circular;

đ) Anticipated issuance territory as stipulated in Article 10 of this Circular;

e) Anticipated issuance time as stipulated in Article 11 of this Circular.

2. The Lottery Computer Company shall establish a list of anticipated self-selected computerized number lottery products for issuance, the content of each self-selected computerized number lottery product according to the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, and report to the Ministry of Finance for approval of the anticipated issuance of self-selected computerized number lottery products.

3. The Ministry of Finance shall issue approval documents for each permitted self-selected computerized number lottery product including the following basic contents:

a) Name of the self-selected computerized number lottery product;

b) Product distribution method;

c) Prize payout method;

d) Issuance territory;

đ) Issuance time;

e) Drawing schedule.

Chapter VII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS

Article 35. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance

1. Inspection and supervision of the implementation of policies and regulations regarding the issuance of self-selected computerized number lottery tickets and the operation of self-selected computerized number lottery business as stipulated in this Circular and related legal documents.

2. Approval of remuneration systems for members of the Lottery Supervisory Board according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 28 of this Circular.

3. Implementation of other tasks as stipulated in this Circular and related laws.

Article 36. Responsibilities of the People's Committee of Provinces and Central Cities

1. Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance in the inspection, examination, and supervision of the business operations of lottery companies conducting self-selected electronic number lotteries in their localities.

2. Direct the limited liability company for state lotteries to cooperate and create conditions for the lottery company to issue and distribute tickets for self-selected electronic number lotteries within the province or city where the state lottery company operates.

Article 37. Responsibilities of the Lottery Company

1. Issue relevant management procedures and regulations, and organize the management and operation of the self-selected electronic number lottery system in accordance with this Circular.

2. Organize the issuance of various types of self-selected electronic number lotteries in compliance with this Circular.

3. Issue a decision on the establishment of the Lottery Supervisory Board and the Operating Regulations of the Lottery Supervisory Board.

4. Fully comply with and be responsible under the law for implementing the provisions of this Circular and other related laws governing the business of self-selected electronic number lotteries.

5. Fulfill all tax obligations to the State as prescribed by law.

Article 38. Responsibilities of the Audit Unit

The independent audit unit approved to conduct audits for public interest entities shall be responsible under the law, to customers, and users for the results of verifying and confirming contents related to the drawing and opening of lottery numbers and inspecting lottery number drawing equipment in accordance with this Circular.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 39. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from August 1, 2019.

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 136/2013/TT-BTC dated October 3, 2013, issued by the Ministry of Finance, guiding the business operations of self-selected electronic number lotteries.

3. During the implementation process, if there are difficulties or obstacles, organizations and individuals should promptly report them to the Ministry of Finance for consideration and resolution./.