Romania continues to attempt to counter problem gambling among its population in a new draft bill that has been sent for consideration to the country’s lawmakers.

The bill proposes that Romanians will be banned from spending more than 10% of their previous monthly income on gambling and betting.

Banks and financial institutions where players have individual accounts would be responsible for setting the spending limitations, and could be liable for fines up to 1% of their actual turnover should they fail to enforce the potential new rules.

Advertisement

Casino operators and other gambling premises would be responsible for enforcing the spending limit in physical buildings, although it is certainly not clear how that would operate in practicality.

It is also suggested that the ANAF (Agenția Națională de Administrare Fiscală) – Romania’s National Agency for Fiscal Administration, would be ordered to provide a platform that would allow licensed operators to query a player’s balance to check on the 10% limit.

Gambling operators would then have to report in real-time player spending in order that nobody would be able to game the system, simply by hopping quickly between establishments.

Failure to comply with these undertakings would result in a fine to the operator of between RON 200,000 and 500,000 (between $43,000 and $108,000) for a first offence. Meanwhile a second offence would also see the cancellation of the operator’s licence.

Romania has been trying hard in recent years to combat problem gambling within its boundaries. In October last year, it banned gambling venues in small towns and villages with populations of less than 15,000 people.

Advertisement

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is stepping up its efforts to combat gambling-related harm, unveiling new initiatives to strengthen player protection during Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March.

A key development is the upcoming launch of a self-assessment tool, designed to help individuals evaluate their gambling habits and access tailored support. First announced during Safer Gambling Week in November, the initiative is now in its final stages, with the MGA working to ensure it provides meaningful assistance to those who need it.

The Authority also continues to enhance its guidance and supervision. By strengthening the monitoring of self-exclusion systems and deepening the analysis of player protection mechanisms, MGA is refining its approach to mitigating gambling-related harm.

Advertisement

“Collaboration remains central to our mission. We are working closely with the Responsible Gaming Foundation and Aġenzija Appoġġ, fostering further opportunities for knowledge exchange. Next month, we will host the next workshop in our ongoing series of focus groups with local NGOs. These sessions reinforce transparency in our regulatory approach across both the remote and land-based sectors, while addressing emerging challenges for individuals seeking support,” MGA said.

By adopting a data-driven approach and collaborating with international partners, the MGA remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing gambling-related harm and strengthening player protection.

Foxtel Cable Television Pty Limited has breached gambling advertising rules during the broadcast of an AFL match between Port Adelaide and Essendon in April 2024.

An Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation found a virtual banner promoting a gambling operator that appeared during Foxtel’s coverage of the match failed to include an adequate responsible gambling message.

Under the subscription television code of practice, gambling advertisements, including banner ads, shown during broadcasts of live sport must be accompanied by a responsible gambling message.

Advertisement

Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood said if broadcasters are airing gambling advertisements during live sporting events, the responsible gambling message must be aired too.

“These messages must emphasise the potential harms and risks of gambling if it is not undertaken responsibly,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

“An ‘18+’ logo on its own is not an adequate responsible gambling message.”

Once the ACMA raised its concerns with Foxtel, the broadcaster acted quickly to ensure a responsible gambling tagline was added to the advertisement.

As a result of the ACMA’s investigation Foxtel has agreed to further staff training on the regulatory requirements around gambling advertisements. Foxtel will also report back to the ACMA on all the steps it is taking to ensure the gambling ads it broadcasts have sufficient responsible gambling messages.

Advertisement