Romania bans celebrities from gambling adverts – tennis star opposes decision
Romania’s National Audiovisual Council (NAC) has passed a new regulation prohibiting celebrities from appearing in gambling advertisements across all major media platforms, including television, radio, and social media. The new regulation was adopted despite pushback from industry figures.
The amended Audiovisual Code will come into effect in three months.
A comprehensive restriction
“It is forbidden to broadcast advertising for gambling featuring public, cultural, scientific, sports or other personalities who, due to their online notoriety, may encourage participation in such games,” the Audiovisual Code now states.
Industry backlash
The gambling industry had strongly opposed the change, arguing that the move disproportionately targets legal promotional activities and overlooks broader societal issues.
The industry had 30 days to comment on the drafted ban, which was first submitted for discussion by the NAC in March 2025.
FedBet (the Federation of Gambling Operators) and the Romanian Football Federation, officially opposed the decision during a public debate organised by the NAC, according to Play Responsibly Romania. However, their proposed amendments were rejected.
Celebrities strike back
One of Romania‘s most recognisable public figures, tennis legend Ilie Năstase, reacted angrily to the decision in an interview with ProSport.
“But public figures are allowed to live, right? Are we allowed to work? You’re stopping me from working? I don’t understand the motivation! We’re in Romania — nothing surprises me anymore! We have families too!” said Năstase.
“Then football should not be allowed to have sponsorship deals either. You shouldn’t be allowed to advertise anything. […] If I earn my living by advertising a soft drink, I’m not allowed to do it because someone doesn’t like that drink? I don’t understand anything anymore!”
Năstase also questioned why Romania wasn’t aligning with foreign standards: “Why don’t they copy laws from abroad in this matter? What’s the law in Austria? Is it the same there? It’s stupid — not to copy something good, but to make something stupid yourself.”
However, similar debates have taken place across Europe, with several countries tightening rules on gambling marketing in recent years.
