EGBA Asks Romania to Improve Self-Exclusion System

The European Gaming and Betting Association’s (EGBA), Secretary General Maarten Haijer, is once again calling on Romania to modernize its approach to gambling safety, this time speaking directly to both lawmakers and the public during a series of high-profile appearances in Bucharest.

The Need for a Real-Time Self-Exclusion National Register 

At an event held inside the Romanian Parliament and organized by the Romanian Online Gambling Association (AOJND), Haijer made a firm case for establishing a robust, national self-exclusion register. 

The meeting, broadcast on Romanian television and covered by leading news outlet Antena 3, highlighted EGBA’s vision for a more responsible gambling environment.

“A system should be introduced as quickly as possible,” Haijer urged, adding that effective regulation “should focus on harm prevention through targeted interventions rather than a blanket approach”.

He also emphasized the fact that “evidence shows tailored policies lead to better outcomes.”

Haijer’s televised interview expanded on the EGBA’s formal recommendations, which include a real-time, fail-safe system that is accessible to all Romanian gamblers via a GDPR-compliant government website. 

The register, he said, should cover every licensed gambling operator, both online and land-based, and allow users to set clear minimum and maximum exclusion periods.

“A Crucial Safety Net for Romanian Players”

Equally important, Haijer added, is ensuring that self-excluded players are automatically removed from all marketing lists and are informed about where to seek help. 

“Establishing a self-exclusion framework based on these European best practices would provide a crucial safety net for Romanian players,” the EGBA later said in a statement.

Although Romania technically has a self-exclusion register in place, launched in 2020 by the national gambling regulator (ONJN), the system has faced significant implementation issues. 

Earlier this year, the ONJN moved to fix a major loophole by enforcing a “single account principle” that ensures one exclusion request applies across all platforms.

Operators now face new responsibilities: updating their terms and responsible gambling protocols, and ensuring full compliance with the updated rules. 

Those who fail to comply risk penalties, including potential license revocation.

Also attending the Bucharest meeting was Anders Dorph, director of Denmark’s gambling authority, who suggested that a shift in public perception is needed. 

“Gambling is about entertainment, not profit,” Dorph said. “It’s similar to going to the cinema – you pay for the experience, not for guaranteed returns.”, he added. Meanwhile, EGBA has partnered with Letzz, an AI-driven tool that offers real-time regulatory monitoring updates across Europe, helping operators stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.