Romanian Senate Approves Strict New Gambling Regulations: Age Limit Raised to

BUCHAREST, Feb 16, 2026 – The Romanian Senate has officially passed two legislative proposals that signal a major shift in the country's gambling regulatory framework. The new measures target youth protection by increasing the legal age for gambling and imposing severe restrictions on digital advertising.

In a move to curb gambling-related harm among young adults, the Senate approved a project to raise the minimum legal age for all gambling activities from 18 to 21. Proponents of the bill, including members of the PNL and USR parties, argue that individuals under 21 are at a higher risk of developing addictive behaviors during a critical stage of cognitive development.

Digital Advertising and Influencer Ban

The second legislative piece targets the industry’s marketing capabilities, particularly in the digital space. The key provisions include:

• Online Ad Window: Online gambling advertisements will be prohibited daily between 06:00 and 24:00. This aligns digital marketing standards with those currently enforced in the audiovisual sector.

• Total Ban on Public Figures: The legislation introduces a comprehensive ban on the use of celebrities, influencers, or any public figures in gambling promotions. This applies across all platforms, effectively ending the era of high-profile "brand ambassadors" for Romanian sportsbooks and casinos.

Liberal deputy Raluca Turcan (PNL) underscored the government's stance, stating that the industry’s profitability "cannot be built on the vulnerability of children and young people." This legislative push reflects a broader European trend toward tightening the oversight of the iGaming sector to prioritize social responsibility.

While the Senate has cleared the bills, the legislative process is not yet complete. The projects now move to the Chamber of Deputies, which serves as the decision-making body. If ratified, the ONJN (National Gambling Office) is expected to issue updated technical norms for operators to ensure compliance with the new age and advertising standards.