A New Age Threshold Advances in Romania’s Gambling Debate

A New Age Threshold Advances in Romania’s Gambling Debate

Romania’s gambling framework is once again under legislative review, as the Senate approved two proposals that would significantly adjust the country’s rules on access and promotion. The measures, now heading to the Chamber of Deputies for final consideration, reflect a policy direction that places youth protection and advertising restraint at the forefront of the regulatory agenda.

The first bill would increase the legal age for gambling from 18 to 21. Raluca Turcan of the National Liberal Party introduced the proposal. If adopted, the change would mark a departure from Romania’s long-standing threshold and align the country with a limited group of European jurisdictions that have opted for a higher minimum age.

The discussion around age limits has unfolded against a backdrop of concern about youth participation in gambling activities. Turcan has cited research conducted by the NGO Save the Children, which identified Romania as facing elevated levels of gambling-related issues among young people compared to other European states. The data has shaped the political narrative around vulnerability in late adolescence and early adulthood, with lawmakers arguing that the transition from 18 to 21 represents a preventive measure rather than a punitive one.

In public remarks following the Senate vote, Turcan emphasised cross-party backing for the initiative. Members of USR, PSD, and UDMR supported the proposal, signalling agreement within the governing coalition that protecting young people should take precedence over political divisions. The framing has consistently focused on limiting exposure to risk during formative years rather than restricting the industry as a whole.

Romania would not be alone in adopting a 21-year threshold. Belgium, Greece, Lithuania, and the Netherlands have introduced similar age requirements in recent years. A comparable debate is ongoing in Bulgaria. While most European countries continue to permit gambling from the age of 18, these examples indicate that a gradual shift is taking place in certain jurisdictions, often driven by public health arguments.

Alongside the age proposal, the Senate advanced a separate initiative targeting gambling advertising. The bill, introduced by the Save Romania Union and supported by the Pro-Europe alliance, would prohibit gambling advertisements between 6am and midnight across television, radio, and online platforms. It would also ban the use of celebrities, athletes, and social media influencers in promotional materials.

The structure of the advertising proposal suggests an attempt to reduce routine exposure rather than eliminate marketing. By limiting broadcast hours and restricting endorsement strategies, lawmakers appear to be addressing the visibility of gambling content during periods when minors and young adults are most likely to encounter it. The inclusion of online platforms reflects an awareness that advertising patterns have shifted significantly toward digital channels.

Both measures now proceed to the Chamber of Deputies, which has the final say in Romania’s legislative process. They have been placed on a priority review track. If adopted without major amendments, they would be submitted to President Nicusor Dan for promulgation.

These proposals emerge in the context of broader regulatory reassessment. Earlier this year, Parliament agreed to accelerate reforms to the Games of Chance Law, originally enacted in 2009. That decision followed a critical audit of the National Gambling Office (ONJN), which identified operational shortcomings and oversight weaknesses. The findings prompted leadership changes at the regulator and renewed scrutiny of enforcement practices.

Vlad-Cristian Soare was appointed to lead ONJN following the audit. Since assuming the role, he has highlighted player protection as a central objective. One of the first visible steps was the relaunch of a national self-exclusion programme, designed to allow individuals to restrict their participation across licensed operators through a more coordinated system.

Viewed together, the age increase, advertising restrictions, and institutional reforms suggest an attempt to recalibrate rather than dismantle Romania’s regulated gambling market. The legislative focus has not shifted toward taxation or licensing structure. Instead, the emphasis lies on access thresholds, promotional boundaries, and supervisory effectiveness.

For operators, the proposed changes would require operational adjustments. A higher minimum age would narrow the eligible customer base, while advertising restrictions would affect media planning and endorsement agreements. Compliance systems would need to be updated to reflect new identification requirements and marketing rules. However, the proposals do not signal an exit from the regulated model; they indicate a tightening of its parameters.

The Senate’s vote represents a procedural milestone rather than an outcome. Debate in the Chamber of Deputies may introduce amendments or clarifications, particularly regarding implementation timelines and enforcement mechanisms. Nonetheless, the cross-party support observed so far suggests that momentum is on the side of reform.