Centralized Database Proposed for Romania's Gambling Restrictions by EGBA
In the bustling Romanian capital of Bucharest, a new live casino studio opened its doors last year, marking the expansion of gambling developer Imagine Live. However, the country's gambling landscape has undergone significant changes, with a focus on accountability, player protection, and curbing the black market.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has been at the forefront of these changes, advocating for stricter regulations and increased accountability from operators. One of their key recommendations is the implementation of a robust self-exclusion system.
Last year, Romania tightened its gambling regulations, and the EGBA's proposals aim to ensure the effective implementation of this system. The association emphasises the importance of a system that allows players to register and self-exclude easily, preventing self-excluded players from being tempted back into gambling.
In line with these recommendations, online casino and betting operators NetBet, Betano, and Superbet have announced their intention to join the national self-exclusion register in Romania. This move is a significant step towards promoting responsible gambling practices in the country.
However, not all operators have welcomed these changes. Some planning a land-based offering have expressed concerns about the decision to ban gaming arcades and sports betting outlets in small towns and villages with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants, claiming they were not informed about the ban in time.
The Romanian Chamber of Deputies passed this ban as part of a broader effort to regulate the gambling industry and promote the legal market. The country has become an attractive market for foreign gambling operators in recent years, making it crucial to maintain a fair and transparent environment.
In light of these developments, the EGBA reiterates the need for operators to be held more accountable for player protection. Self-excluded players should be removed from marketing databases to prevent them from being confronted with gambling advertising during their exclusion period.
As Romania continues to evolve its gambling regulations, it's clear that the focus remains on promoting responsible gambling practices and ensuring a fair and transparent market for all.
