Romania moves toward tighter gambling regulations with two new legislative proposals
Romania is entering a decisive phase in the political debate over the future of its gambling industry. Two legislative initiatives presented in Parliament by MPs Raluca Turcan (PNL) and Diana Stoica (USR) aim to significantly reform Emergency Ordinance No. 77/2019, redefining age limits, rules of access and the boundaries of advertising. The proposals land at a time of growing concern over early gambling involvement among minors and as the country works to align its standards with stricter European models.
Raising the minimum age: protecting the vulnerable 18–21 bracket
Raluca Turcan has opened the political discussion by calling for the minimum legal gambling age to increase from 18 to 21. The MP frames her initiative around a crucial transition period in young people’s lives, when they enter university or take their first steps into the job market-a phase she describes as “emotionally and financially vulnerable”. At this age, she argues, impulsiveness, the need for social acceptance and inexperience in managing personal finances intersect with aggressive marketing tactics, making young adults the easiest targets.
Turcan stresses the need to introduce “a window of emotional and financial maturity” before allowing access to gambling, citing examples from Portugal, Greece and Moldova. In these jurisdictions, raising the age threshold has helped reduce early indebtedness and curb emerging problematic behaviours, according to the studies referenced.
The issue is reinforced by data that paints a concerning picture: according to research quoted by Diana Stoica, one in four Romanian teenagers has engaged in gambling before turning 18, and some even begin before the age of 14. Stoica argues that this trend is closely tied to neurological development. The brain, she notes, does not fully mature in the areas responsible for impulse control until the age of 21, leaving younger individuals particularly susceptible to activities requiring judgement and self-regulation.
“We have a duty to protect our children from the scourge of gambling,” she states, highlighting how slot machines and other forms of gambling impact those who lack fully developed emotional tools. Her stance sets the tone for a broader rethinking of legal access within the country.
Advertising: proposed ban from 6 a.m. to midnight
The second legislative proposal – introduced by Diana Stoica – focuses on the role of advertising, seen as a crucial driver in drawing young people toward gambling. The text introduces a ban on online gambling advertising from 06:00 to 24:00, coinciding with the hours during which children and adolescents are most active on social media and digital platforms. The proposal also prohibits the use of influencers, athletes and public figures in promotional campaigns.
Additionally, the draft law requires clear addiction risk warnings in all digital and physical advertising. Stoica explains that young people no longer respond to traditional advertising formats but instead react to content shared by their role models. When a popular figure normalises gambling, she argues, it sends a “toxic” message that portrays betting as acceptable, even fashionable or financially rewarding.
The proposal aims to extend a ban that currently applies only to audiovisual media until 23:00, shifting the focus to the core of the digital ecosystem frequented by minors. The intention is to disrupt the most powerful channel shaping young consumers’ perceptions.
A regulatory landscape in motion: EU alignment and ONJN enforcement
The legislative debate comes as Romania continues to refine its regulatory framework. In June, the national gambling regulator ONJN intervened against Facebook and Google for hosting illegal advertising linked to unlicensed platforms. Meta subsequently updated its policies on Facebook and Instagram, responding to regulatory pressure experienced across several jurisdictions.
The new bill seeks to harmonise Romanian rules with those of other EU countries that have introduced targeted protections for minors against non-tailored advertising. Finland stands out as a reference point: here, mandatory warnings and strict advertising limits have reshaped how operators engage with vulnerable audiences.
Romania’s proposal, therefore, fits into a wider European trend, where safeguarding minors and regulating digital communication serve as central pillars of a shared strategy.
Toward structural reform
The initiatives put forward by Turcan and Stoica signal a crucial moment in Romania’s legislative journey. Parliament must now assess measures that not only redefine access to gambling but also reshape how the industry communicates, promotes its services and interacts with younger audiences. With alarming data and European models driving the conversation, policymakers are increasingly focused on preventing risky behaviour and reinforcing the protection system for minors.
As Romania moves toward what could become a structural overhaul, the dialogue between institutions, industry stakeholders and civil society is expected to intensify. The outcome will shape not just sector-specific regulation but the broader balance between economic freedom, social responsibility and the protection of the most vulnerable groups.
This article was first published in Italian on 18 November 2025.
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