The Government of Romania is considering new rules aimed at strengthening protections for individuals affected by gambling addiction, including stricter self-exclusion procedures and tougher penalties for illegal gambling activity.
Under a draft regulation discussed during a government meeting, authorities proposed introducing a unified self-exclusion system that would apply to both online gambling platforms and physical gaming venues.
Currently, self-exclusion procedures vary depending on the operator, with the proposed reform aiming to create a single, transparent process across the entire sector.
The proposal would also introduce defined exclusion periods of six or twelve months, as well as the option for indefinite self-exclusion.
One of the most notable changes would prevent individuals who choose to self-exclude from withdrawing their consent for at least 18 months, creating what regulators describe as a “cooling-off” period designed to prevent impulsive reversals of the decision.
The proposal also clarifies the distinction between full self-exclusion and partial access restrictions, allowing players to request limitations on specific services or operators depending on their preferences.
Operators would face expanded responsibilities for recording and tracking self-exclusion requests.
The mechanism allows players to voluntarily prevent themselves from entering casinos or accessing online gambling platforms using their national identification number.
Government officials later confirmed that discussion of the proposal was postponed following the cabinet meeting.
Recently, Raluca Turcan, a Member of Parliament in Romania, has also submitted a legislative proposal that would raise the minimum legal gambling age from 18 to 21.
Romanian authorities have also been exploring regulatory reforms, including proposals to give local governments greater authority in approving gambling licences
