Romania allocates €5m in grants for gambling harm prevention

Romania is taking a structured step toward addressing gambling-related harm through a new national funding initiative led by the National Gambling Office (ONJN). The regulator has confirmed that €5 million will be distributed as non-reimbursable grants under the “Conscious and Free” programme, a public interest initiative designed to support prevention, education and treatment efforts.

The programme reflects a broader institutional effort to strengthen safeguards around gambling activity while ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to appropriate support systems. According to official timelines, selected projects will begin implementation in August 2026 and continue through December 2026, covering a four-month operational period.

This initiative marks a notable development in Romania’s regulatory landscape, particularly as it introduces direct public financing for harm prevention projects within the gambling sector.

Programme framework and policy background

The “Conscious and Free” programme was formally established following a commitment made by ONJN in December 2025, when the initiative was published in the Official Gazette. The framework is positioned as a national programme of public interest, aligning regulatory oversight with public health priorities.

Funding will be allocated from ONJN’s 2026 budget, specifically designated for promoting socially responsible gambling practices. The use of non-reimbursable grants ensures that beneficiaries, primarily non-profit organisations and public institutions, can implement projects without financial repayment obligations.

From a legal and administrative standpoint, the programme required multiple preparatory steps. These included amendments to existing legislation, the development of procedural guidelines and the establishment of a digital platform for application submissions. Authorities have indicated that these measures were necessary to ensure transparency, compliance and long-term sustainability.

Allocation of the €5 million budget

The €5 million funding pool has been divided into clearly defined categories to address different aspects of gambling-related harm.

A significant portion, amounting to €3.6 million, has been allocated to prevention and education initiatives. These projects are expected to focus on raising awareness about responsible gambling, protecting minors from exposure and providing counselling and treatment services for individuals experiencing gambling-related difficulties. The funding also extends to research activities and digital solutions aimed at improving intervention strategies.

An additional €1.2 million has been reserved for the development or expansion of specialised treatment centres. This segment of the funding is restricted to public authorities, reflecting the need for institutional capacity in delivering clinical and therapeutic services. The focus on infrastructure highlights a recognition that prevention alone is insufficient without accessible treatment options.

The remaining €200,000 will support studies and impact assessments. These research-focused initiatives are intended to generate evidence that can inform future policy decisions and regulatory interventions. By incorporating a research component, ONJN aims to ensure that future strategies are data-driven and responsive to evolving challenges.

Structured application and evaluation process

The application process has been designed to follow a transparent and time-bound structure. Interested applicants are required to submit their proposals by 11 May 2026.

Following submission, ONJN will conduct an initial eligibility assessment, with results scheduled for publication on 15 May. Applicants who do not meet the initial criteria will have an opportunity to file appeals between 18 May and 20 May.

Subsequent stages include the publication of final compliance results between 21 May and 26 May. An independent analysis and evaluation report, prepared by a designated Evaluation Commission, is expected to be released on 8 July.

Applicants will have the option to contest preliminary outcomes until 13 July. Final results will be confirmed on 28 July, after which successful applicants will enter the contract finalisation phase from 29 July to 31 July. The official start date for project implementation has been set for 3 August 2026.

This structured timeline reflects an effort to balance administrative rigor with operational efficiency, ensuring that projects can commence within the planned timeframe.

Institutional cooperation and regulatory development

The development of the “Conscious and Free” programme involved coordinated efforts across multiple public institutions. In addition to ONJN, key contributions were made by the Ministry of Finance Romania and the Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education Research Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI).

This collaboration underscores the complexity of implementing national-level programmes that intersect with public health, finance and regulatory policy. Authorities have highlighted that legislative amendments and procedural reforms were essential to enable the allocation of public funds for this purpose.

The establishment of a dedicated platform for project submissions further reflects an emphasis on transparency and accessibility. By digitising the application process, ONJN aims to streamline participation and reduce administrative barriers for eligible organisations.

Statement from ONJN leadership

Vlad-Cristian Soare, President of ONJN, emphasised the significance of the initiative and the efforts required to bring it to fruition.

“I promised that these projects would materialize. Despite all the obstacles in the past, the projects will exist and, most importantly, they will help vulnerable people.

“We are thus ensuring the first funding in the history of ONJN for this type of programs and, at the same time, the necessary regulatory framework has been created for funding in the coming years.

“I would like to remind you that, in order for these fundings to become possible, a collective effort was needed by ONJN, the Ministry of Finance and UEFISCDI, an effort that involved: amending the law; reforming the internal responsible gaming service existing at the level of ONJN; building the legal mechanism and adopting two orders of the President of ONJN that established the methodology and the applicant’s guide; public consultations; creating a platform for submitting projects; approving the State Budget Law; publication of the program and the announcement.”

His remarks highlight both the institutional challenges and the policy ambitions associated with the programme.

Broader implications for Romania’s gambling sector

The introduction of public funding for gambling harm prevention represents a shift in how Romania approaches regulatory responsibility. Traditionally, efforts in this area have relied heavily on industry-led initiatives or limited public interventions.

By allocating dedicated funds and establishing a structured programme, ONJN is positioning itself as an active participant in harm reduction rather than solely a supervisory authority. This approach aligns with broader European trends, where regulators increasingly integrate public health considerations into gambling oversight.

The inclusion of research and digitalisation components also indicates a forward-looking strategy. As gambling platforms evolve, particularly in online environments, regulators face new challenges in identifying and mitigating risks. Investment in data-driven solutions may enhance the effectiveness of future interventions.

Challenges and expectations

While the programme represents a significant step forward, its effectiveness will depend on implementation outcomes. The relatively short duration of funded projects, limited to four months, may pose challenges in achieving long-term impact. However, authorities may view this initial phase as a pilot that could inform future funding cycles.

Ensuring equitable access to funding across different regions and organisations will also be critical. Transparent evaluation criteria and robust monitoring mechanisms will play an important role in maintaining public trust.

Additionally, the restriction of certain funding categories to public authorities may limit participation from private or non-governmental healthcare providers. Balancing institutional oversight with broader stakeholder involvement will remain an ongoing consideration.

Conclusion

Romania’s decision to allocate €5 million in grants for gambling harm prevention marks a meaningful development in the country’s regulatory and public health landscape. Through the “Conscious and Free” programme, the National Gambling Office has introduced a structured mechanism to support prevention, treatment and research initiatives.

The programme reflects a coordinated effort involving multiple public institutions, supported by legislative reforms and administrative planning. While challenges related to implementation and impact measurement remain, the initiative establishes a foundation for future funding and policy development.

If effectively executed, the programme has the potential to enhance support systems for vulnerable individuals while contributing to a more responsible and sustainable gambling environment in Romania. Its outcomes may also serve as a reference point for other jurisdictions seeking to integrate public health priorities into gambling regulation.

FAQs

What is the Conscious and Free programme in Romania?
It is a national initiative led by ONJN that provides funding for projects focused on preventing and treating gambling-related harm.

Who can apply for the ONJN grants?
Non-profit organisations can apply for most funding categories while certain segments such as treatment centres are limited to public authorities.

How much funding is available under the programme?
A total of €5 million has been allocated for the programme.

What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Eligible projects include prevention campaigns, education initiatives, counselling services, research and digital solutions related to responsible gambling.

When will the funded projects begin?
Selected projects are scheduled to start on 3 August 2026.

How long will the projects run?
The projects will run for four months until December 2026.

What is the purpose of the €1.2 million allocation?
This portion is intended for the development or expansion of specialised treatment centres.

Is there funding for research activities?
Yes €200,000 has been allocated for studies and impact assessments.

What is the role of ONJN in this programme?
ONJN oversees the funding process, evaluates applications and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

Will there be future funding rounds?
Authorities have indicated that the programme establishes a framework that may support future funding initiatives.