The BRAT has submitted its position to Parliament on proposed restrictions on gambling advertising. The association said it “understands and welcomes” Parliament’s intention to protect minors but called for the law to be “non-discriminatory.”
The association further added that any ban on gambling advertising must apply not only to domestic media but also to global social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Facebook.
The position follows a Senate vote in favour of restricting gambling advertising, with further debate expected in the Chamber of Deputies. The association argues that Parliament should assess models and practices from other countries to ensure any new framework reflects the realities of digital media consumption.
The submission also raised concerns about certain policy assumptions, questioning claims that advertising bans alone reduce overall gambling participation.
Romania is considering additional measures to protect those against gambling harms, including stricter self-exclusion rules and tougher penalties for illegal gambling.
Two deputies from the Save Romania Union party have proposed draft legislation requiring electronic age verification for the online sale of products and services prohibited to minors, including gambling.
Meanwhile, in February, the Government passed an ordinance transferring the authority to approve land-based gambling hall licenses to local authorities.
Following this, the Local Council of Bucharest’s Sector 6 approved a proposal to ban the operation of gambling halls, with the final decision resting with the General Council of Bucharest.
At a national level, more than 40 local authorities and towns have already proposed measures to stop issuing licences.
Late last year, Raluca Turcan, a Member of Parliament in Romania, submitted a legislative proposal that would raise the minimum legal gambling age from 18 to 21
