Romania Plans to Raise Gambling Age to 21 and Tighten Ad Rules
Romanian MP Raluca Turcan has submitted two legislative proposals that would raise the legal gambling age to 21 and impose strict new limits on advertising, including a ban on celebrity and influencer endorsements. The measures aim to curb gambling exposure among young people and align Romania’s regulations with wider European standards.
Proposal to Raise Gambling Age to 21
The proposed legislation would increase the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. Filed in Parliament on November 5, the initiative aims to reduce the financial and emotional risks associated with early gambling among young adults.
Raluca Turcan described the 18–21 age bracket as “a vulnerable stage in life” when individuals are just beginning their studies or careers and learning to manage their first incomes. She argued that delaying access to gambling would give young people more time to achieve emotional and financial stability.
Turcan referenced several European examples including Portugal, Greece and Moldova, where higher age limits have reportedly led to lower rates of early gambling addiction and related debt.
Stricter Rules for Gambling Advertising
The second bill would introduce far-reaching restrictions on gambling marketing, with a particular focus on online platforms. Advertising would be banned between 6 a.m. and midnight, the hours when minors and young adults are most active online.
The proposal would also prohibit influencers, athletes and other public figures from promoting gambling products. Turcan said the measure reflects a change in how younger audiences consume media, noting that “young people are more likely to follow the behaviour of public figures than respond to traditional advertising.”
Aligning with European Standards
If approved, the reforms would bring Romania’s gambling framework closer in line with those of other European nations that have tightened advertising and age-related restrictions in recent years.
Both bills are currently pending parliamentary review. Should they pass, the new regulations are expected to come into force in 2026.
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