Romania Introduces Cross-Platform Self-Exclusion for Online Gambling

Romania’s National Gambling Office (ONJN) has implemented a significant regulatory shift aimed at enhancing responsible gambling practices. The new directive mandates that all self-exclusion requests apply across an operator’s entire licensed platform network, closing a long-standing loophole that previously allowed players to bypass exclusion by switching sites.

New Directive Eliminates Platform-Specific Loopholes

Previously, Romanian players could self-exclude from one gambling platform and continue playing on another managed under the same license. This inconsistent interpretation of self-exclusion created a critical weakness in player protection. Under the updated rules, once a user submits a self-exclusion request, the operator must extend the ban across all associated products and services.

The ONJN’s move clarifies a vague area of Romanian gambling law—specifically Article 130 of Government Decision no. 111/2016. Although the legislation suggested a unified exclusion policy, enforcement varied across operators. This update now removes ambiguity and sets a firm expectation for full cross-platform compliance.

Aligning with European Regulatory Standards

With this change, Romania takes a step closer to aligning with established European markets that already enforce centralized exclusion systems. In those jurisdictions, a single exclusion request often covers multiple operators, reducing the risk of problem gamblers reentering the market through alternative platforms.

By following suit, Romania aims to strengthen its responsible gambling framework and prevent relapse among vulnerable players.

Operational Impact on Gambling Operators

The ONJN’s directive creates two primary challenges for licensed operators. First, companies must revise their responsible gambling protocols, including updating terms of service and technical systems. The goal is to ensure that exclusion requests instantly trigger a full block across all related platforms. Non-compliance could result in financial penalties or, in extreme cases, license revocation.

Second, the clarification introduces potential legal exposure. Players who self-excluded from one platform but later experienced losses on another within the same license may now seek compensation. Romanian courts have already seen cases where gamblers received refunds due to ineffective exclusions. This new standard could open the door to further claims based on past operator practices.

Regulatory Pressure Intensifies Amid Audit Findings

The timing of the ONJN’s announcement is notable. The regulator currently faces mounting criticism after Romania’s Court of Accounts (CCR) published a damning audit. The report cited the ONJN for failing to verify operator-submitted financials, monitor tax collection, or address discrepancies in licensing fee payments.

One of the most concerning findings was the lack of oversight on return-to-player (RTP) rates. According to the audit, this failure may have cost the Romanian state between RON 3.3 billion and RON 4.3 billion—roughly EUR 630–900 million—in lost revenue.

In response to these revelations, Parliament has demanded greater accountability from ONJN leadership. Although agency head Gheorghe-Gabriel Gheorghe was summoned to testify, he declined to attend, arguing that a full technical discussion was required before presenting corrective actions.

Compliance Burden and Industry Outlook

From the industry’s perspective, this self-exclusion directive increases the compliance burden. Online gambling and betting operators must now allocate additional resources to develop automated systems that prevent excluded players from accessing any connected platforms.

This requirement reflects a broader regulatory trend in Romania—one that emphasizes player safety and responsible gambling over operational convenience. While the directive enhances protection mechanisms, it also raises the bar for technical readiness and legal accountability across the market.

Future Possibility of Centralized Exclusion System

The ONJN’s latest move may also prompt further discussions about implementing a national self-exclusion register. Several European countries already rely on centralized systems that streamline enforcement and improve oversight. Romania’s adoption of a similar model could offer a long-term solution to inconsistent compliance practices.

As regulatory pressure mounts, operators must adapt quickly. Strengthening internal controls today may reduce legal and reputational risks in the future. More importantly, a unified exclusion system can help rebuild public trust in the Romanian gambling sector—an essential step if the industry is to grow responsibly.