Romania Considers Raising Gambling Age to 21 and Restricting Ads

Romanian legislators are pushing for new gambling restrictions focused on reducing exposure among younger audiences. Two members of parliament, Raluca Turcan (PNL) and Diana Stoica (USR), submitted proposals that would tighten access and advertising rules, including raising the legal gambling age and limiting online promotional campaigns.

Good to Know

• Minimum gambling age would rise from 18 to 21.
• Online gambling advertising would be restricted from 06:00 to 24:00.
• Public figures, influencers, and athletes would no longer be allowed in gambling ads.

Age Restrictions Aimed at Youth Protection

The proposals introduce a ban on all gambling participation for anyone under 21 years old. Supporters argue that individuals in this age range face heightened emotional and financial vulnerability and are at greater risk of developing gambling-related problems.

USR deputy Diana Stoica referenced studies indicating widespread exposure among Romanian teenagers.

Stoica said:

“We have an obligation to protect our children from the threat of gambling.”

She also noted that brain regions linked to decision-making continue to develop until about age 21.

Stoica added that:

“One in four adolescents has played on these so-called ‘machines of death’ before turning 18.”

Following a European Trend

PNL deputy Raluca Turcan described the proposed age increase as a change that could deliver meaningful social impact.

Turcan said:

“By raising the age threshold, we protect young people during a vulnerable stage.”

She pointed to Portugal, Greece, and Moldova as examples of countries where raising the age limit reportedly contributed to lower rates of early problem gambling and reduced debt among young adults.

Restrictions on Advertising and Promotion

The draft proposals also call for a broad set of advertising rules meant to limit gambling’s presence in daily digital life.

Key elements include:

1. Full ban on online gambling advertising from 06:00 to 24:00
2. Prohibition on influencers, athletes, and public personalities appearing in gambling promotions
3. Mandatory harm-prevention warnings in both physical venues and digital spaces

These changes would alter Romania law under Emergency Ordinance 77/2009.

Next Steps in Parliament

The proposals will now move into committee review and debate. If passed, Romania would implement some of the most restrictive gambling-related advertising and participation rules in the region.

Observers note that the push aligns with broader European regulatory movement focusing on consumer protection, youth safeguards, and limits on gambling promotion.

FAQ

What is the proposed new legal gambling age?

The age would rise from 18 to 21 under the new legislation.

Will gambling ads still be allowed?

Yes, but only between 00:00 and 06:00, and without influencers or public figures.

Do these measures align with other European countries?

Yes. Portugal, Greece, and Moldova use age-21 restrictions for gambling.

What happens next?

The bills move through parliamentary debate and committee review before a final vote.

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