Romania Urged to Introduce National Gambling Self-Exclusion Register
During a recent event in the Romanian Parliament, EGBA’s Secretary General Maarten Haijer called for the creation of a national self-exclusion register for gambling. The measure, already in place in 17 EU countries, is aimed at strengthening player protection standards in Romania.
EGBA Highlights the Importance of Self-Exclusion Tools
Speaking to Antena 3, one of Romania’s leading news outlets, Maarten Haijer emphasized the need for a centralized self-exclusion system that would serve as a vital player protection tool. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) reiterated this message during a parliamentary event hosted by AOJND, Romania’s online gambling association.
Recommendations Based on EU Best Practices
EGBA presented a set of specific recommendations for how such a system should function. It proposed that the register must be accessible to all players—whether they gamble online or in land-based venues—and should be integrated into a user-friendly, GDPR-compliant government platform. According to EGBA, a real-time and tamper-proof system would offer more effective safeguards for at-risk individuals.
In addition to universal coverage, EGBA advised that the self-exclusion tool should be clearly promoted across gambling platforms and allow for defined minimum and maximum exclusion periods. Players who register should receive information about available support services, while gambling operators would be required to remove these individuals from all marketing lists.