Romania's gambling regulator convenes advisory council

Romania's gambling regulator ONJN has convened the Advisory Council. The council will discuss player protection, illegal gambling and the country's regulatory framework. The meeting is part of a broader review of gambling legislation. However, no date has been announced for when the process will be completed.

The meeting will take place on 18 November at 11:00. The agenda includes a national programme for treating gambling addiction and legal changes that could support it. The consistent implementation of self-exclusion procedures and the fight against unlicensed online gambling will also be discussed. The recording of player transactions at land-based venues is also on the agenda.

ONJN has not stated which new reporting systems or operator obligations may emerge. The authority also plans to consult on a framework covering online activities, fixed-odds betting and land-based gambling. These are not yet changes in force but topics for discussion.

Valentin-Ioan Tomescu, the chair, has changed the composition of the working group that prepares regulatory actions. The group's task is to review and harmonise the existing gambling legislation and identify overlapping, outdated or inconsistent provisions. The regulator reportedly wants a more coherent system rather than piecemeal changes.

Industry associations AOPJNR and AOJND have requested formal consultation, citing inconsistent interpretations since May and the effects of Emergency Ordinance 7/2026. The ordinance gave municipalities greater oversight powers over land-based gambling. Operators face uncertainty over local permits, renewals and fees. Slot machine bans, venue closures and differences in local enforcement are also adding to the difficulties.