Compliance Updates
Romanian National Gambling Authority Pushes for Urgent Overhaul of Self-exclusion Rules
The Romanian National Gambling Authority (ONJN) has formally urged the Ministry of Finance to introduce emergency measures aimed at strengthening the country’s self-exclusion system. ONJN President Vlad-Cristian Soare said the regulator has submitted a draft emergency ordinance (OUG) designed to close loopholes in existing legislation and bolster player protection.
The ONJN launched Romania’s gambling self-exclusion platform in 2020 under legislation GD no. 111/2016, Art. 130. However, there have been discussions for some time over the shortcomings of the programme, and industry groups such as the EGBA have been vocal in proposing improvements.
Last year, the ONJN ordered gambling operators to apply a “single account principle” for self-exclusion, meaning that self-exclusion requests automatically apply across all platforms. That clarification closed a loophole that allowed players who had self-excluded with one operator to switch to another and continue to gamble, but issues remain.
Soare assumed leadership of ONJN in May 2025 following the resignation of his predecessor after a damning audit report. He said: “I promised self-exclusion would not remain a project that only exists on paper like how I found it when I took office. It will be implemented in three stages: operation under the current framework (already achieved), legislative amendments to fix dysfunctions, and the rollout of a modern IT solution (now underway).”
In a post on LinkedIn post, Soare said the priority measures would include:
• A centralised and simplified self-exclusion network covering both online and land-based gambling providers.
• Defined exclusion periods: Players would be able to select from fixed durations, including indefinite bans from gambling, with mandatory cooling-off periods to prevent premature withdrawal from the programme.
• Deposit recovery: Operators would be required to refund deposits if self-excluded players were mistakenly allowed to gamble.
• Stricter penalties: Breaches of self-exclusion rules could trigger fines ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 lei (€9800–€19,600). Repeated or severe violations could lead to licence suspensions.
• Improved visibility: Clearer terminology, mandatory self-exclusion information on gambling websites and QR codes in gambling halls linking to national resources would make the system more accessible.
Soare also signalled plans to involve Romanian police in enforcement and collaborate with the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics. The goal is to build a modern, cost-efficient IT infrastructure capable of supporting a fully integrated self-exclusion regime.
The post Romanian National Gambling Authority Pushes for Urgent Overhaul of Self-exclusion Rules appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
In April, the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has filed over 4600 reports with Meta regarding illegal advertisements. Combating illegal gambling offerings is one of the KSA’s priorities. Special attention is paid by the KSA to the marketing practices of the gambling companies, which frequently advertise on social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Therefore, the KSA monitors the volume of illegal advertisements.
Illegal practices
Illegal gambling providers place many advertisements on social media. In doing so, they use names and logos of well-known Dutch athletes and major brands to enhance their credibility. It is often difficult for consumers to determine whether a gambling provider holds a license. To protect consumers, the KSA therefore makes a strong effort to combat online advertising by illegal providers. The KSA does this, among other measures, by filing reports with major media companies more frequently.
Cooperation in alliance
To tackle illegal providers on social media, the KSA works closely with various companies and organisations. During a recent meeting of the alliance, current knowledge, trends and insights were shared. Advertising on social media was a key topic, as these platforms reach a large number of people.
The working group also discussed how companies can protect their trademarks and held a brainstorming session on what else is needed to tackle illegal providers on social media. The KSA will use the outcomes of the meeting in the coming period to take even better action.
Frustrating infrastructure
In the Netherlands, online gambling is only permitted with licensed providers. The KSA’s approach to illegal offerings ranges from imposing fines to disrupting the infrastructure used by illegal providers. The online world, and social media in particular, plays a major role within this infrastructure.
The post KSA Files Over 4600 Reports Targeting Illegal Gambling Ads on Meta Platforms appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gaming Corps has secured a conditional iGaming supplier licence from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), clearing the company to manufacture and supply gaming software in the province ahead of Alberta’s regulated market launch on 13 July 2026.
The licence was granted through Gaming Corps’ subsidiary, Gaming Corps Malta Ltd. The company said the approval positions it to enter Alberta’s regulated iGaming market from day one.
Alex Lorimer, COO at Gaming Corps said: “Securing our Alberta licence marks another important step in Gaming Corps’ regulated market expansion strategy. Canada continues to represent a key growth region for us, and we’re excited to bring our expanding portfolio of games and unique mechanics to operators and players in Alberta.”
Alberta is set to become Canada’s second regulated open iGaming market after Ontario, with the AGLC overseeing licensing and compliance requirements for operators and suppliers.
The post Gaming Corps wins conditional Alberta iGaming supplier licence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has warned that the effectiveness of the financial protection measures included in Desenrola 2.0 fundamentally depends on a strict crackdown on the illegal betting market.
In 2025, bets placed on licensed platforms accounted for only 0.46% of household consumption in the country — an extremely small share of the average Brazilian family budget — according to data from a study conducted by LCA Consultoria. This reinforces that the main driver of household indebtedness in Brazil continues to be the high cost of credit.
The IBJR emphasized that restricting access to the regulated sector may encourage users to migrate to illegal platforms, which already handle around R$40 billion per year and operate without any oversight or consumer protection mechanisms.
Combating the illegal market is the most urgent step to prevent unlicensed operators — often linked to organized crime — from taking advantage of restriction windows to attract vulnerable consumers. This concern is heightened by the proximity of the FIFA World Cup, a period that naturally increases the volume of sports betting activity, as well as by the potential loss of R$10.8 billion in tax revenue if consumption shifts to the underground market.
IBJR reiterates that real consumer protection and the integrity of Desenrola 2.0 depend on coordinated action between the government and the private sector. The organization advocates for public policies that combine financial education, the strengthening of responsible gaming practices, and a strategic offensive against illegal websites, ensuring that entertainment takes place exclusively within a safe, transparent, and properly regulated ecosystem.
The post IBJR: Crackdown on Illegal Betting Critical to Success of Desenrola 2.0 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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