Romania tightens grip on online gambling: stricter controls on advertising and social media
Romania’s National Gambling Authority has issued an official statement addressed to operators, affiliates, and influencers active on social media and YouTube. The objective is clear: to limit minors’ exposure to gambling-related content at a time when digital communication has become the industry’s primary promotional channel. Authorities fear that the pervasive nature of online platforms may make young people particularly vulnerable, increasing the risk of premature involvement in a high-risk activity.
Obligations for operators and influencers
The new provisions introduce stricter rules: every piece of content published through official accounts, digital platforms, or personal profiles must now include an age restriction set at 18+. This requirement applies not only to operators but also to influencers and collaborators promoting gambling brands through their own channels. Every post, story, or video must therefore be protected by access limitations, reducing the likelihood that minors will come into contact with gambling advertisements.
Ban on unrestricted links
A central point in the announcement concerns the ban on inserting links redirecting users to gambling sites within social media profiles or shared content, unless these links are accompanied by access restrictions. This is a decisive step intended to close loopholes that could bypass controls. The Authority has already confirmed the launch of targeted inspections and warned that, once these checks are completed, the sanctions provided by law will be enforced or, in more serious cases, referred to the competent authorities.
A solid regulatory framework
The regulator’s position does not come out of the blue. Romania has built a robust regulatory framework for gambling over the years. Two key references stand out: GEO 20/2013, which establishes the obligation to protect vulnerable groups and ensure transparency in gambling activities, and GEO 77/2009, which regulates advertising and communication by banning any form of dissemination without adequate safeguards. The latest measures reinforce an already well-established principle: gambling is a legitimate economic activity, but one that must be governed by strict rules of social responsibility.
New restrictions from October
The tightening process is far from over. Starting this October, additional restrictions will come into effect under Decision no. 573/2025 on the Audiovisual Code. These rules prohibit the use of public figures, athletes, or cultural personalities in gambling advertising campaigns. The aim is to break the association between fame and the attractiveness of gambling – a link that has in the past made promotional campaigns especially persuasive among younger audiences.
Citizens’ participation
Alongside institutional monitoring, Romania’s Gambling Authority is also encouraging active participation from citizens. A dedicated reporting channel has been introduced, accessible via the petitions portal or through WhatsApp. This approach seeks to create a shared oversight network, making civil society a key player in tackling malpractice and safeguarding minors.
A tough stance looking ahead
Romania is thus reinforcing its tough stance on online gambling, imposing increasingly strict limits on communication and digital marketing strategies. While acknowledging gambling as a legitimate business activity, the authorities stress the paramount importance of protecting the most vulnerable. In a context where online promotion carries growing weight, the message from regulators is unequivocal: the right to entertainment must never come at the expense of social responsibility.
This article was first published in Italian on 16 September 2025.
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