Romania ONJN seeks emergency reform of gambling self-exclusion

The National Office for Gambling of Romania, known as ONJN, has formally called on the Ministry of Finance to adopt emergency legal measures aimed at strengthening the country’s gambling self-exclusion framework. The proposal reflects growing concern within regulatory and policy circles that existing rules have not provided adequate protection for vulnerable players and have allowed inconsistencies in enforcement across the gambling sector.

According to ONJN President Vlad-Cristian Soare, the regulator has submitted a draft emergency ordinance, referred to as an OUG, which seeks to close legal loopholes and provide a more robust and enforceable structure for self-exclusion. The initiative is framed as a necessary step to ensure that self-exclusion is not merely a theoretical right for players but a practical and effective consumer protection mechanism applied consistently across online and land-based gambling operations.

Background of Romania’s self-exclusion system

Romania introduced a national gambling self-exclusion mechanism in 2020. The system was established under Government Decision no. 111/2016, Article 130 and was intended to allow individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities for a defined period or indefinitely. In principle, the framework aligned with broader European responsible gambling standards by recognising self-exclusion as a key harm prevention tool.

In practice, however, the system has faced persistent criticism. Stakeholders have pointed to administrative complexity, limited technical integration between operators and insufficient oversight. These shortcomings meant that players who had taken steps to self-exclude were not always fully protected from continued access to gambling products.

Industry associations including the European Gaming and Betting Association have publicly encouraged Romanian authorities to modernise the system. Their recommendations have focused on centralisation, automation and clear legal obligations for operators. These discussions laid the groundwork for the current push by ONJN to pursue more decisive legislative action.

The single account principle and its limits

One of the most significant regulatory clarifications came last year when ONJN ordered gambling operators to apply what it described as a “single account principle” for self-exclusion. Under this interpretation, a player’s request for self-exclusion should automatically apply across all gambling platforms operated by a licensed provider.

This step addressed a key weakness in the earlier regime. Previously, players could self-exclude from one operator yet continue gambling with another, undermining the intent of the exclusion. The clarification effectively eliminated that option and reinforced the responsibility of operators to recognise self-exclusion requests across their entire portfolio.

Despite this progress, ONJN has acknowledged that structural problems remain. The current framework does not yet provide a fully centralised national register that seamlessly covers all licensed operators. Nor does it set out sufficiently detailed rules on exclusion periods, enforcement responsibilities or player remedies when breaches occur.

Leadership change and renewed regulatory focus

Vlad-Cristian Soare assumed leadership of ONJN in May 2025 following the resignation of the previous president after an audit report that raised serious concerns about regulatory performance. Since taking office, Soare has positioned player protection and regulatory credibility as central priorities of his mandate.

He has been explicit in framing self-exclusion reform as a personal commitment. As he stated publicly, “I promised self-exclusion would not remain a project that only exists on paper like how I found it when I took office. It will be implemented in three stages: operation under the current framework (already achieved), legislative amendments to fix dysfunctions and the rollout of a modern IT solution (now underway).”

This statement reflects a broader attempt to restore confidence in ONJN as an effective regulator capable of both policy design and practical enforcement. It also signals an intention to move beyond incremental adjustments toward a more comprehensive overhaul.

Key elements of the proposed emergency ordinance

In outlining the draft emergency ordinance, Soare has highlighted several priority measures that ONJN believes are essential for an effective self-exclusion regime. These measures address both legal clarity and operational enforcement.

Centralised and simplified self-exclusion network

At the core of the proposal is the creation of a centralised national self-exclusion network. This system would cover both online gambling platforms and land-based venues such as casinos and betting shops. By consolidating self-exclusion data into a single authoritative register, the regulator aims to eliminate inconsistencies and delays in implementation.

A simplified process would also make it easier for players to request self-exclusion without navigating multiple platforms or administrative barriers. From a legal perspective, centralisation would reduce ambiguity over operator obligations and strengthen the enforceability of compliance requirements.

Defined exclusion periods and cooling-off rules

The draft ordinance would introduce clearly defined exclusion periods from which players could choose. These would include fixed durations as well as the option for an indefinite ban from gambling activities.

Importantly, the proposal includes mandatory cooling-off periods. These would prevent players from withdrawing from self-exclusion prematurely and would help ensure that decisions made during moments of vulnerability are respected over time. Such measures are widely recognised in European regulatory practice as essential safeguards against impulsive behaviour.

Deposit recovery obligations

Another notable provision concerns the treatment of player funds. Under the proposed rules, gambling operators would be required to refund deposits if a self-excluded player was mistakenly allowed to gamble. This obligation would apply regardless of whether the breach resulted from technical error or administrative oversight.

From a legal standpoint, this measure reinforces the principle that responsibility for compliance rests with the operator rather than the individual player. It also creates a financial incentive for operators to invest in reliable systems and staff training.

Stricter penalties for non-compliance

The emergency ordinance would significantly strengthen the penalty framework for breaches of self-exclusion rules. Fines would range from 50,000 to 100,000 lei, equivalent to approximately €9,800 to €19,600.

In cases of repeated or severe violations, ONJN would have the authority to suspend an operator’s licence. Such sanctions underscore the regulator’s intent to treat self-exclusion breaches as serious compliance failures rather than minor administrative errors.

Improved visibility and accessibility

ONJN also plans to address the visibility of self-exclusion information. Proposed measures include clearer terminology, mandatory disclosure of self-exclusion options on gambling websites and the use of QR codes in physical gambling halls. These QR codes would link directly to national self-exclusion resources.

The objective is to ensure that information about self-exclusion is not hidden in terms and conditions but presented in a clear and accessible manner. This approach aligns with broader consumer protection principles under Romanian and European law.

Enforcement partnerships and technology development

Beyond legislative amendments, ONJN intends to strengthen enforcement through institutional cooperation. Soare has indicated plans to involve the Romanian police in monitoring compliance and addressing violations that may require investigative or enforcement powers beyond the regulator’s remit.

In parallel, ONJN is collaborating with the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics to design and implement a modern IT infrastructure. The goal is to build a cost-efficient and secure system capable of supporting a fully integrated national self-exclusion regime.

Such an infrastructure would enable real-time verification of player status across operators and venues. It would also provide regulators with more reliable data for monitoring trends and identifying potential systemic risks.

Implications for operators and players

If adopted, the emergency ordinance would have significant implications for licensed gambling operators in Romania. Compliance obligations would become more clearly defined and enforcement risks would increase. Operators would need to ensure that their technical systems are fully integrated with the national register and that internal procedures reflect the new legal requirements.

For players, the reforms promise a more reliable and accessible self-exclusion system. The combination of centralisation, defined exclusion periods and enforceable penalties is designed to reduce the likelihood that self-exclusion requests are ignored or circumvented.

From a broader policy perspective, the initiative reflects Romania’s effort to align its gambling regulation more closely with established European standards. It also signals a willingness to use emergency legislative tools when existing frameworks are deemed insufficient to protect consumers.

Outlook for legislative adoption

The draft emergency ordinance has been formally submitted to the Ministry of Finance, which will play a key role in determining its progression. While emergency measures can accelerate reform, they also require careful legal scrutiny to ensure compatibility with existing laws and constitutional principles.

ONJN’s public advocacy suggests that the regulator views the matter as urgent. The coming months are likely to determine whether Romania moves toward a more robust and technologically integrated self-exclusion regime or continues to rely on incremental adjustments to an imperfect system.

Conclusion

The proposed emergency reforms to Romania’s gambling self-exclusion framework mark a decisive moment in the evolution of national player protection policy. By seeking to address long-standing structural weaknesses through clearer legislation, stronger enforcement mechanisms and modern technological infrastructure, ONJN has signalled an intention to move from fragmented compliance toward a system that functions reliably in practice. The emphasis on centralisation, defined exclusion periods and meaningful sanctions reflects an understanding that self-exclusion can only be effective when it is consistent, visible and enforceable across the entire gambling sector.

From a legal and regulatory perspective, the draft emergency ordinance represents an effort to restore confidence in both the self-exclusion process and the regulator’s supervisory role. If implemented as proposed, the measures would place clearer responsibilities on operators while offering players a more dependable safeguard against gambling-related harm. While the final outcome will depend on legislative approval and effective execution, the initiative underscores a broader policy commitment to aligning Romania’s gambling regulation with established European standards and reinforcing consumer protection as a core regulatory objective.

FAQs

What is ONJN and what role does it play in Romania?
ONJN is the National Office for Gambling of Romania and it is responsible for licensing regulating and supervising gambling activities across the country.

Why is Romania considering emergency changes to self-exclusion rules?
The regulator believes that existing laws contain loopholes that prevent effective player protection and require urgent correction.

When was Romania’s self-exclusion system first introduced?
The national self-exclusion framework was launched in 2020 under Government Decision no. 111/2016.

What is meant by a centralised self-exclusion network?
It refers to a single national system that records self-exclusion requests and applies them across all licensed gambling operators and venues.

How would defined exclusion periods help players?
Clear exclusion durations and cooling-off periods help prevent impulsive reversals and ensure that self-exclusion decisions are respected.

What happens if an operator allows a self-excluded player to gamble?
Under the proposed rules the operator would be required to refund deposits and could face fines or licence suspension.

How high could the new fines be for violations?
Proposed penalties range from 50,000 to 100,000 lei with higher sanctions possible for repeated breaches.

Will the reforms apply to both online and land-based gambling?
Yes the proposed measures are intended to cover all forms of licensed gambling in Romania.

What role will technology play in the new system?
A modern IT platform is planned to support real-time verification and centralised enforcement.

Is the emergency ordinance already in force?
No it has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance and must go through the legislative process before adoption.