Romania is taking a bold step in the fight against gambling addiction! A new regional strategy aims to address addiction with tailored treatment solutions across the country. Discover how these initiatives will provide crucial support to those affected by gambling addiction, especially the youth. Stay informed about Romania’s innovative approach to addiction treatment and its impact on public health.
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Romania to Implement Regional Strategy to Combat Problem Gambling
Romania is set to implement a comprehensive strategy to tackle gambling addiction, addressing the growing concern over this issue among its population. On July 19, President Klaus Iohannis promulgated a decree co-authored by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice to establish eight regional centers dedicated to addiction treatment. This initiative aims to provide a localized approach to combat drug, alcohol, and gambling addictions, particularly targeting those under 25 years old.
Localized Approach to Addiction Treatment
The newly proposed strategy emphasizes a regional approach, aiming to address current inadequacies in addiction treatment within Romania. Minister of Justice Alina Gorghiu endorsed the project, highlighting the shortcomings of the existing framework which heavily relies on private clinics and NGOs for treatment services.
“I’m glad that the party I belong to, PNL, initiated this law because in Romania the state could not properly treat these big problems that are especially among the young generation,” Gorghiu stated.
Government Oversight and Funding
The Ministry of Justice will oversee the implementation of this project, with the government prioritizing the funding and construction of the regional addiction centers. However, specific timelines for the completion of these centers have not been provided. This initiative reflects a commitment to addressing addiction issues through state-funded and regionally-focused facilities.
Addressing Growing Concerns
Regional MPs and mayors have expressed increasing concerns over gambling addiction, noting that over 25,000 gambling venues operate within the country. This widespread availability of gambling opportunities has exacerbated the issue, particularly among younger demographics.
In response, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu issued an executive order in April to ban “gambling localities in towns with less than 15,000 registered inhabitants.” However, the Supreme Court of Cassation intervened, requiring the order to be implemented as a federal law subject to constitutional review.
Financial Impact on Licensed Operators
Romania’s licensed gambling operators are currently adjusting to new tax rates on gambling winnings. These include:
- 3% on winnings up to 10,000 lei (€2,000)
- A fixed tax plus 20% on winnings between 10,001 and 66,750 lei
- A fixed tax plus 40% on winnings over 66,750 lei (€13,350)
These new tax rates aim to generate additional revenue while potentially discouraging excessive gambling by increasing the financial burden on significant winnings.
Need for Updated Data
Despite growing concerns, the Romanian government has not conducted a comprehensive census on gambling addiction since 2015. This lack of updated data leaves authorities uninformed about the current extent of the issue, underscoring the need for more recent and accurate information to guide policy decisions.
Conclusion
Romania’s new regional strategy to combat gambling addiction marks a significant step forward in addressing this critical public health issue. By establishing state-funded regional centers and focusing on local needs, the government aims to provide more effective and accessible treatment options for those affected by addiction. As the country navigates the challenges of implementing this strategy, continuous efforts to gather data and refine policies will be essential to its success. Stay tuned for further updates on Romania’s initiatives to create a safer and healthier environment for its citizens.