Romania Seeks to Raise Gambling Age to 21

Romania Seeks to Raise Gambling Age to 21

A proposal introduced this week in the Romanian Parliament has reopened discussion over the country's gambling regulations. Raluca Turcan, a member of the National Liberal Party (PNL), has submitted a bill proposing that the legal gambling age be raised from 18 to 21, along with measures aimed at limiting the visibility and influence of gambling advertising.

The initiative seeks to place Romania in line with several other European states that have already adopted stricter entry thresholds for gambling. Turcan argues that the change is intended to protect younger adults, who she describes as being at a formative stage both emotionally and financially. The proposal links early exposure to gambling with long-term risks, suggesting that individuals between 18 and 21 often lack the stability required to manage potential financial losses.

In her statement accompanying the proposal, Turcan described the years between 18 and 21 as “a fragile stage of life,” when many young people are beginning to handle personal finances independently for the first time. She argued that gambling operators use persuasive techniques that can disproportionately attract this demographic, particularly through online and social media advertising. The bill, therefore, calls not only for a higher age restriction but also for closer scrutiny of gambling promotion methods.

Under the proposed framework, gambling companies would face additional advertising restrictions designed to reduce exposure to minors and young adults. The bill's language suggests that current marketing practices, especially online, have made gambling content highly accessible to individuals who may not yet meet the legal age threshold. While the exact limits on advertising have not yet been specified, the initiative signals a broader effort to reduce the visibility of gambling in digital and public spaces.

Turcan referenced examples from other jurisdictions where raising the legal age has been linked to a measurable decline in gambling-related issues. Countries such as Portugal, Greece, and the Republic of Moldova have already implemented a minimum age of 21, and early studies there indicate reduced rates of gambling addiction and debt accumulation among young people. More recently, Belgium made a similar move, increasing its gambling age limit to 21 in 2023. Latvia is following suit, with its own legislative adjustments underway.

The Romanian proposal draws upon these precedents, presenting the measure as a policy of prevention rather than restriction. Turcan emphasized that the goal is not to penalize legal gambling but to create a buffer period that allows young adults time to mature before participating. According to her, this adjustment would provide “a window of emotional and financial maturation,” potentially reducing impulsive participation and the associated risks of debt or dependence.

The move comes amid a broader trend in Europe toward tightening gambling legislation. Several member states have revisited their advertising frameworks and player protection rules in response to growing concerns about digital accessibility and the rising visibility of betting promotions. Romania's gambling market has expanded rapidly in recent years, mainly driven by online platforms, prompting calls for greater oversight and safeguards.

Industry observers expect that the bill, if debated in Parliament, could trigger a complex discussion balancing consumer protection with economic impact. The gambling sector remains an important contributor to Romania's fiscal revenues, particularly through licensing and taxation. Raising the legal gambling age could impact participation rates and, consequently, tax revenues, although proponents argue that the long-term social benefits may outweigh the financial shortfall.

If adopted, Romania would become part of a small but growing group of European Union members that have opted for a 21-year age threshold. Advocates for the measure argue that the adjustment aligns with international best practices and reflects a more cautious approach toward youth exposure to gambling-related risks. Critics, however, may argue that enforcement challenges persist, particularly in online spaces where identity verification systems vary in their effectiveness.

The proposal has yet to receive a parliamentary timetable, but early reactions suggest that the topic is likely to draw cross-party debate. Some lawmakers have already expressed cautious support for measures that prioritize youth protection, though others have warned against overregulation that could push players toward unlicensed markets.

Turcan's initiative reflects an ongoing reevaluation of gambling policy in Romania, part of a wider European conversation about responsibility, accessibility, and digital influence. As the bill proceeds through legislative review, its outcome could redefine not only who can legally gamble in the country but also how the activity is presented and promoted.