- Romania’s Senate delayed gambling reforms proposed by the USR party due to a recent presidential election, with discussions paused until the new government forms.
- The reforms include a €1 million licensing fee, stricter tax rules, and advertising bans, addressing past ONJN failures like €900 million in unreported taxes.
- The delay prolongs uncertainty in Romania’s €13.5 billion gambling market, but could lead to stronger player protections if reforms pass by late 2025
Why the Delay in Reforms
The Senate’s Legal Committee decided to extend talks on gambling reforms proposed by the Save Romania Union (USR) party, following the rescheduled presidential election on May 18, 2025. Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, running as an independent, won the presidency with an “Honest Romania” campaign and was sworn in on May 26.
He’s still forming his cabinet, which has slowed legislative progress. You can see why this matters: the election, initially annulled in November 2024 due to foreign interference, has shifted focus to stabilizing the government.
The reforms, which include tighter advertising rules and a €1 million licensing fee, aim to address past regulatory failures, like the €900 million in unreported taxes uncovered in a 2019-2023 audit.
What the Reforms Entail
The proposed changes are significant. The National Gambling Office (ONJN) faces stricter oversight after being criticized for neglecting tax collection and license audits. New rules would require operators to reserve €1 million for licensing, regardless of income, and submit taxes within five days of collection.
A centralized database to monitor consumer activity is also on the table, alongside advertising restrictions banning unsolicited online ads and promotions like bonuses. You might wonder how this affects players: these measures aim to protect you from gambling harm but could raise costs for operators, potentially impacting betting options or odds.
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Impact on Romania’s Gambling Industry
Romania’s gambling market, one of Europe’s largest, generated €13.5 billion in 2024, but regulatory lapses have drawn scrutiny. The delay in reforms could give operators a breather, but it also risks prolonging uncertainty.
This might mean continued access to current betting platforms, but without new protections like a national self-exclusion registry, which the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) urged Parliament to adopt. Operators like Superbet have already scaled back advertising voluntarily, signaling industry awareness of looming changes.
If reforms pass, expect a more regulated market, possibly with fewer promotions but stronger player safeguards.
What’s Next for Romania
With President Dan yet to appoint a Prime Minister, the Senate’s plenary discussions may not wrap up until late 2025.
The government’s focus on transparency could push for tougher enforcement, raising costs for operators but aligning Romania with European standards. You might notice fewer flashy ads or stricter betting limits if the reforms take effect.
The delay, while frustrating for reformists, gives stakeholders time to prepare for a revamped market. Keep an eye on the Senate’s next moves—this could reshape how you bet in Romania’s growing gaming sector.
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