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The Romanian Senate has approved legislation that would increase the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21 and impose new restrictions on gambling advertising. Both bills now require approval from the Chamber of Deputies.
The gambling age proposal comes in response to data showing Romania has Europe’s highest rate of youth problem gambling according to Save the Children. MP Raluca Turcan authored the Protect the Age of Innocence bill to address these concerns.
If fully enacted, Romania would become the latest European country to adopt a 21-year gambling minimum. Belgium, Lithuania, and the Netherlands have already implemented similar restrictions. The second approved bill would prohibit gambling advertising between 6am and 12am across all online and audiovisual channels. It would also ban the use of celebrities, athletes, and influencers in gambling promotions.
The reforms follow a difficult period for Romanian gambling regulation. The National Gambling Office faced criticism in 2025 over failed licence audits that cost the state nearly €1 billion in revenue.
Parliament has made gambling reform a priority for 2026, requiring changes to licensing, taxation, and enforcement procedures. The ONJN appointed new leadership to oversee this reform process. The advertising restrictions represent a significant change for operators who rely on high-profile marketing campaigns. The limits would reduce visibility during peak viewing hours.
Industry observers expect the bills to face further debate in the Chamber of Deputies. However, cross-party support in the Senate suggests the measures have strong political backing. President Niscusor Dan would need to sign the legislation before it becomes law. Implementation timelines would likely be phased to allow operators time to adjust their systems and marketing approaches.
