Romanian Lawmakers Back Stricter Gambling Self-Exclusion Rules

Tightening the System After Repeated Failures

Romania’s Legal Affairs Committee has approved a draft law that seeks to fix persistent flaws in the country’s gambling self-exclusion system. The proposal, put forward by USR deputy Diana Stoica, aims to make the process more effective by setting firm deadlines, enabling online requests, and imposing tangible consequences on operators who ignore exclusion requests.

The initiative responds to a long-standing issue raised by advocacy groups and affected individuals alike: even after formally requesting self-exclusion, many players were still able to gamble due to outdated registries or operator negligence. The law proposes direct remedies to these failures, giving enforcement agencies clearer mandates and introducing a new level of accountability for gambling companies.

“The voice of tens of thousands of people struggling with addiction has been heard. The state must end its complicity with the gambling industry and intervene decisively. We cannot treat addiction with bureaucratic indifference,” said Diana Stoica, the bill’s sponsor.

What the New Law Would Change

The bill outlines several key changes to the current self-exclusion model:

• Online Access: Players would be able to request self-exclusion directly through the ONJN (National Gambling Office) website.

• Strict Deadlines: Operators would be required to process exclusion requests within one day. ONJN would have two days to update the central exclusion registry.

• Enforced Refunds: Any gambling losses incurred after a valid self-exclusion must be refunded by operators within 48 hours.

• License Suspensions: Operators who fail to comply face licence suspension for six months.

• Mandatory Cool-Off: A minimum 12-month exclusion period would be required for indefinite self-exclusion requests.

• Public Reporting: ONJN would be obligated to publish the number of processed exclusion requests.

• Mandatory Information: Operators must inform users about available addiction counselling and treatment options.

Urgency in the Senate and a Call for Broader Support

USR has called for the immediate adoption of the bill in the Senate plenary, reaffirming its commitment to public policies that protect mental health and support people’s right to escape the vicious cycle of gambling addiction.

In addition, the party expressed hope that more members of parliament—from all political parties—will join its efforts to reduce the harm and trauma caused by gambling dependency.