Gambling operators in Romania face growing legal risks if they allow self-excluded individuals to gamble.
The National Gambling Office (ONJN) introduced Order 79/2025, which regulates the self-exclusion process and imposes strict verification duties on licensed operators.
As a gambling regulation professional, I believe operators must fully understand the implications—fines, procedures, and reputational exposure.
Let’s unpack the legal framework, common mistakes, and what every operator must do to stay compliant.
Key Points
- Self-exclusion rules are set under Emergency Ordinance 77/2009, updated through Order 79/2025.
- Requests for self-exclusion are recorded in a central ONJN database, which operators must check in real time.
- The exclusion becomes effective from 00:00 the day after registration.
- Withdrawal requests can be submitted only to the ONJN—operators cannot accept, forward, or process them.
- Non-compliance triggers fines ranging from RON 50,000 to 100,000, per OUG 77/2009.
Allowing Self-Excluded Players to Gamble: The Costly Mistake Operators Can’t Afford
As someone who analyses gambling legislation daily, I can say the self-exclusion framework has matured significantly in Romania. The introduction of Order 79/2025 clarified operators’ obligations, but it also increased their exposure. Those who ignore the procedure risk severe sanctions.
What Self-Exclusion Means
Self-exclusion is a voluntary mechanism through which a player formally requests to be barred from gambling. The request can be submitted to ONJN or, in specific cases, to an operator—who must forward it promptly. Once approved, the exclusion is added to ONJN’s central database, and from that moment, operators must deny access to all gaming services, both retail and online.
Main Operator Obligations
Operators must fulfil two major responsibilities:
- Database verification: Before granting access to any gambling activity, they must check whether the player appears in ONJN’s self-exclusion register.
- Forwarding requests: If a player files a self-exclusion form on site, the operator must send the original to ONJN within two business days, together with a copy of the player’s ID.
Common Compliance Failures
Several mistakes continue to surface in inspections:
- Operators not updating or checking the ONJN database in real time.
- Allowing self-excluded persons to enter gaming halls or online platforms.
- Accepting or processing withdrawal requests directly at venues—an act explicitly illegal under the law.
- Failing to document procedures or train staff to handle exclusion cases.
Risks for Operators
The risks are substantial:
- Fines of RON 50,000–100,000 for allowing a self-excluded person to participate in gambling.
- Possible licence suspension or revocation in repeated or serious cases.
- Reputational damage—both the public and ONJN track non-compliance closely.
- Increased scrutiny from ONJN, leading to additional audits and monitoring costs.
Best-Practice Recommendations
From my professional standpoint, operators should:
- Integrate automatic real-time checks of the ONJN database into their player-registration and KYC systems.
- Train all staff on the self-exclusion process, including how to handle in-person requests and rejections.
- Maintain documentation of every self-exclusion request and its transmission to ONJN.
- Reject all withdrawal requests filed with them—only ONJN can lift exclusions.
- Periodically test physical and online systems to ensure blocked access works correctly.
Analytical Perspective
In my opinion, Order 79/2025 marks a decisive regulatory moment. The ONJN has closed loopholes that some operators previously exploited. There is now no ambiguity: every licence holder must actively enforce self-exclusion. Treating it as a mere formality will expose operators to enforcement and fines.
ONJN President Vlad-Cristian Soare recently emphasized this in public statements, saying the agency will continue inspections “until every operator understands that the rules are not negotiable.” The proposal for a mandatory “cool-off” period—where excluded individuals cannot withdraw their consent—shows how serious Romanian regulators are about responsible gambling.
Operators who allow self-excluded players to access gambling risk heavy fines, licence action, and loss of trust. Under Order 79/2025, compliance is not optional—it’s an operational requirement.
In today’s regulated market, protecting vulnerable players is no longer just a social obligation; it’s a legal imperative. The ONJN’s message is clear: follow the exclusion protocol precisely or pay the price.