Romania Tightens Self-Exclusion Rules Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
Romania’s gambling regulator, ONJN, has introduced a single-account self-exclusion rule, ensuring that exclusion requests apply across all operators. This closes a loophole that allowed players to bypass restrictions by switching platforms. The decision aligns Romania with European standards and could expose operators to legal claims from affected customers.
ONJN Closes Loophole in Responsible Gambling Policies
The Romanian gambling regulator, ONJN, has reinforced its responsible gambling framework by mandating a single-account self-exclusion principle. This move ensures that self-exclusion requests automatically apply across all gambling platforms, preventing players from bypassing restrictions by switching operators.
The decision aligns Romania’s policies with those of other European jurisdictions, where a single self-exclusion request covers all licensed operators. Previously, players who self-excluded from one platform could continue gambling with another operator, exposing a significant loophole in the system.
Legal and Financial Implications for Operators
For operators who previously treated self-exclusion requests as platform-specific, the change introduces potential legal and financial risks. Players who self-excluded with one operator but continued gambling elsewhere could now seek compensation for losses. Some companies have already issued refunds due to legal challenges, highlighting the growing legal exposure in cases of non-compliance.
The ONJN has instructed operators to update their terms and conditions, responsible gambling policies, and compliance procedures to reflect the new mandate. The regulator has also warned that failure to comply may result in fines or licence revocation.
ONJN Under Pressure Following Damning Audit
The self-exclusion directive comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of the ONJN, following a critical audit by the Romanian Court of Accounts (CCR). The report revealed serious irregularities, including inadequate supervision of gambling tax payments and licensing fees.
According to the audit, the ONJN failed to detect discrepancies in return-to-player (RTP) calculations, potentially costing the state between 3.3 and 4.3 billion lei (€630m to €900m) in lost gambling tax revenue.
Further concerns were raised over the lack of financial oversight, as the ONJN reportedly never verified financial data submitted by operators or enforced penalties for non-compliance.
Political Fallout and Proposed Sector Overhaul
Amid the growing controversy, ONJN president Gheorghe-Gabriel Gheorghe declined to appear before a parliamentary hearing led by USR senator Ciprian Rus. He questioned the committee’s authority and claimed that the ONJN had already implemented corrective measures. While he requested a rescheduled hearing, the regulator remains under pressure to justify its actions.
In response, the USR party has proposed significant regulatory changes, including transferring oversight of land-based gambling to ANAF, the national tax agency, and online gambling to the National Bank of Romania.
Another proposal under discussion is a monthly gambling spend cap of 10% of a player’s income for both online and retail gaming.