Romania.- On November 5, Raluca Turcan, a member of parliament from the Romanian Liberal Party (PNL), introduced legislation to the Romanian Parliament that proposes raising the legal age for gambling from 18 to 21 years old. This change is part of a broader initiative to impose stricter regulations on the gambling industry within the country.
Turcan’s proposal argues that increasing the minimum age for gambling will enhance protections for young people’s emotional and financial well-being. She emphasizes that individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 are particularly vulnerable, as this is a critical period when many are pursuing education or entering the workforce, learning to manage their finances independently for the first time. “The gambling industry, with its sophisticated psychological tactics, often targets this susceptible age group,” Turcan stated, suggesting that raising the age limit could offer young adults a crucial period for emotional and financial growth.
Globally, the minimum gambling age varies, but Turcan points out that the United States has long mandated a minimum age of 21 for gambling. Several European nations, including Portugal, Greece, and Moldova, have also set 21 as the standard age limit. Turcan highlighted the success of these countries in reducing gambling addiction and financial issues among youth, noting Belgium’s recent decision to raise its gambling age to 21, and Latvia is following suit.
In addition to age restrictions, Turcan has put forward a second legislative proposal aimed at curbing gambling advertisement practices. This bill seeks to restrict the display of gambling-related ads on digital platforms between 6am and midnight, a timeframe when minors and young adults are most likely to encounter such content. Furthermore, it would prohibit the use of influencers, athletes, and public figures in gambling promotions. Turcan explained that the shift in media consumption patterns among young people necessitates this change, as they are more influenced by online personalities than traditional advertisements. “Young people are drawn not to conventional ads, but to the online figures they admire and emulate,” she noted.
This regulatory push aligns with recent actions by the Romanian National Office for Gambling (ONJN), which has been proactive in enforcing gambling laws. Earlier this week, the ONJN added Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction and event trading platform, to its list of banned gambling operators. The decision followed a significant rise in unauthorized betting activities on the platform during the presidential elections in May, prompting the regulator to take decisive action.
The Romanian gambling market, like others in Europe, faces the challenge of balancing industry growth with the protection of vulnerable populations. Proponents of the proposed legislation argue that stricter age and advertising regulations are necessary to prevent the exploitation of young people by a rapidly expanding and technologically sophisticated industry. They claim that without these measures, the social costs, including addiction and financial distress, will continue to mount.
However, there are opposing views to Turcan’s proposals. Industry stakeholders argue that the current age limit of 18 is adequate and aligns with the legal age of adulthood in Romania. They suggest that further restrictions could stifle industry growth and drive gambling activities underground, making them harder to regulate and potentially more harmful. Additionally, they contend that improved education and responsible gambling initiatives might be more effective strategies than outright age restrictions and advertising bans.
Economic implications are also a concern. The gambling industry contributes significantly to Romania’s economy, providing jobs and generating tax revenue. Critics of the proposed legislation fear that stringent regulations could lead to a decline in these contributions, potentially harming the economy at a time when many sectors are still recovering from the impacts of global economic challenges.
As Romania considers these legislative changes, it finds itself at a crossroads similar to many other countries grappling with the societal impacts of gambling. The debate highlights the difficult balance between fostering a lucrative industry and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations. Whatever the outcome, Turcan’s proposals have sparked an important conversation about the future of gambling regulation in Romania and the need for policies that reflect the changing landscape of the industry.
This discussion is expected to unfold over the coming months as the Romanian Parliament deliberates on the proposals. Legislators will need to weigh the evidence and consider the experiences of other countries as they attempt to craft a regulatory framework that addresses the concerns of both the industry and the public.
