AOJND and FEDBET support ONJN in gambling crackdown

In a step towards reinforcing regulatory control and ensuring player safety, Romania’s two most prominent gambling industry associations—the Association of Remote Gambling Operators (AOJND) and the Federation of Gambling Organizers (FEDBET)—have launched a collaborative initiative aimed at dismantling the country’s illegal gambling market. The move underscores the increasing concern within the sector over the detrimental effects of unlicensed gambling and highlights a unified industry stance for responsible and legal gaming practices.

Formation of an expert task force

As part of this initiative, AOJND and FEDBET have announced the formation of a multidisciplinary team of experts that will support the National Gambling Office (ONJN) in monitoring, identifying, and acting against illegal gambling operations. The experts will be drawn from various fields including regulatory compliance, technology, law, cybersecurity, and consumer protection. Their collective expertise will help strengthen ONJN’s capacity to pursue cases effectively and reduce the prevalence of unauthorized operators targeting Romanian players.

The support team is expected to collaborate closely with ONJN by analyzing reports, verifying operational irregularities, and proposing enforcement strategies that align with national and EU regulatory frameworks.

Encouraging public engagement and whistleblowing

Recognizing the essential role of public awareness and involvement, both AOJND and FEDBET are urging licensed gambling operators and the general public to come forward with information related to unauthorized gambling activities. To streamline this process, the organizations have launched a dedicated email address: [email protected].

This reporting channel will serve as a centralized point for collecting tips and complaints about gambling platforms or operators functioning without ONJN-issued licenses. All reports received will be carefully reviewed and validated by the expert team before being referred to ONJN for appropriate legal action.

This approach not only ensures efficient information flow between the public and authorities but also fosters a culture of shared responsibility within the industry and the wider community.

ONJN’s warning against unlicensed operations

The initiative follows a recent ONJN statement reiterating that it is strictly prohibited to offer or facilitate gambling services—either directly or indirectly—without holding a Class I license from the regulator. This applies especially to operators providing access to Romanian players, whether residing in Romania or abroad unless they have tax residency in another jurisdiction.

ONJN emphasized that engaging with unlicensed platforms not only violates national law but also places users at risk due to the absence of consumer protections typically afforded by regulated environments.

AOJND calls for ethical and secure gaming

Odeta Nestor, President of AOJND and a vocal advocate for regulatory compliance, reaffirmed the association’s dedication to eliminating illicit gambling operations.

“AOJND members are firmly committed to combating the illegal gambling market—a growing phenomenon that harms not only legitimate operators but, more importantly, players, who become vulnerable and unprotected. Our members—licensed operators—are focused on building honest and sustainable businesses, and that begins with ensuring safe conditions for players,” Nestor said.

She also stressed that an ethical and transparent industry is only possible when legal operators are protected from unfair competition and when players are shielded from exploitation by unauthorized entities.

FEDBET’s commitment to transparency and compliance

Alexandru Domșa, General Director of FEDBET, echoed similar sentiments and emphasized the broader implications of illegal gambling.

“For FEDBET, eliminating the black market in gambling is a top priority—not just to protect the interests of our members, but to ensure a fair and secure market for all players. Unlicensed operators directly undermine market stability by violating regulations and attracting players into unregulated environments,” Domșa stated.

He went on to explain that these operators pose serious risks, including:

• Financial harm to players
• Tax revenue losses to the state
• Unfair competitive conditions
• Rising pressure on compliant operators

Domșa reaffirmed FEDBET’s full support for ONJN’s efforts and its intention to allocate significant resources toward identifying and reporting illegal operators.

Consequences of the illegal gambling market

The illegal gambling market in Romania, like in many other jurisdictions, poses a multi-dimensional threat. Its impact is not confined to regulatory violations but extends deeply into social, financial, and even criminal domains.

Key concerns include:

Lack of consumer protection: Players engaging with unlicensed operators are deprived of legal recourse in cases of disputes, fraud, or unethical behavior. Vulnerable individuals, including minors and those with gambling addiction, are particularly exposed.

Tax evasion and revenue loss: Illegal operators circumvent the tax system, depriving the Romanian government of substantial revenue that would otherwise support public services.

Unfair market competition: Licensed operators who comply with strict legal and fiscal obligations face disadvantages compared to unregulated platforms that operate without oversight or taxation.

Organized crime funding: There is growing evidence that proceeds from illegal gambling often support broader criminal activities, including money laundering, corruption, and even human trafficking.

Job losses and industry instability: As illegal operators cannibalize market share, legal businesses may suffer revenue losses leading to downsizing, job cuts, or complete shutdowns.

Promoting long-term industry reform

The joint initiative by AOJND and FEDBET is not merely reactive but part of a broader vision for a sustainable and transparent gambling ecosystem in Romania. The associations have indicated their willingness to engage with all relevant stakeholders—including lawmakers, regulators, law enforcement, consumer groups, and technology providers—to design long-term reforms that balance market growth with ethical standards.

Their call for collaboration is rooted in the belief that only through multi-sector engagement can Romania build a system that is:

• Legally robust
• Socially responsible
• Technologically secure
• Economically sustainable

A call to action for the future

Both associations recognize that addressing illegal gambling demands ongoing oversight and a proactive approach to enforcement. The launch of the expert task force and the public reporting channel are only initial steps. AOJND and FEDBET plan to evaluate the effectiveness of these actions regularly and make necessary adjustments to stay ahead of evolving illegal operations.

Furthermore, educational campaigns are in the pipeline to inform the public about the risks associated with unlicensed gambling and to promote awareness about how to identify and report suspicious platforms.

The associations are also advocating for enhancements in ONJN’s regulatory toolkit, such as increased powers to block illegal websites, stricter penalties for violations, and enhanced cross-border cooperation with other EU regulators.

Conclusion

The collaborative effort by AOJND and FEDBET marks a pivotal moment in Romania’s ongoing mission to regulate its gambling industry and eliminate illicit operations. By forming a multidisciplinary expert team and establishing a direct channel for public reporting, the two associations are not only reinforcing their commitment to legal compliance but also taking proactive steps to safeguard consumers, protect state revenues, and ensure fair market competition. This initiative underscores the necessity of unified action among industry stakeholders, regulators, and civil society to build a transparent, responsible, and sustainable gambling environment in Romania. As the fight against illegal gambling continues, such partnerships will play a crucial role in securing the integrity and future of the country’s gaming sector.

FAQs

What is the goal of the AOJND and FEDBET initiative?
The initiative aims to support ONJN in identifying and eliminating illegal gambling operations in Romania through expert collaboration and public reporting.

Who can report illegal gambling activities?
Anyone, including gambling operators and members of the public, can report suspicious or unlicensed gambling activities via the provided email.

Why is unlicensed gambling dangerous?
Unlicensed gambling lacks legal oversight, exposing players to fraud, data breaches, and loss of funds without any form of protection or recourse.

What is a Class I license from ONJN?
A Class I license is required for any entity offering gambling services to Romanian residents or citizens; operating without it is illegal.

How does illegal gambling affect the economy?
It leads to significant tax evasion, reducing government revenue and increasing pressure on licensed operators who comply with financial obligations.

What happens after a report is submitted to the email address?
Reports are reviewed by a multidisciplinary expert team and, if verified, forwarded to ONJN for enforcement or legal action.

Are AOJND and FEDBET working with international regulators?
While this initiative focuses on Romania, the organizations support international cooperation to tackle cross-border illegal gambling.

How does this affect players using foreign platforms?
Players using foreign platforms without Romanian licensing risk exposure to fraud, data theft, and the loss of any legal protections.

What is the role of the multidisciplinary team?
The team will support ONJN with technical, legal, and operational expertise to investigate and combat illegal gambling efficiently.

What reforms are planned for the future?
AOJND and FEDBET plan to introduce educational campaigns, legislative recommendations, and ongoing evaluations of enforcement practices.