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ANJ publishes its 2021/2023 strategic plan

Published

5 years ago

February 3, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As soon as it was set up on 23 June 2020, the National Gambling Authority began drawing up its strategic plan for the next three years. It sets out its vision of regulation and how it intends to add value to players and economic players. Five priority focus have been set to keep gambling within a sustainable perspective of recreational gambling.

The development of the strategic plan was launched in July 2020 and continued until November. It was built through a collaborative process involving all ANJ agents as well as members of the ANJ Board. It was also based on contacts with operators or civil society that were organized after the launch of the ANJ. This plan was definitively adopted by the ANJ Board on 3rd December 2020.

Beyond the four objectives defined by the law, the ANJ must carry out its action in a medium-term strategic perspective, specify its vision of regulation and how it intends to bring value to players and economic actors. In short: define the regulator’s project.

This is all the more important as the new legal framework is complex and difficult to grasp for operators, as the health crisis has tightened competition conditions, and because each action taken by the regulator will be scrutinized in terms of its effects on market balances.

The central inspiration of this strategic plan is to keep gambling within a sustainable perspective of recreational gambling.

Given the psycho-social risks associated with gambling and in the particular context of health crisis, it is essential to consolidate a regulatory model that makes it possible to reconcile controlled development of the sector with the protection of the public interests involved, first and foremost the gamblers protection. This is a priority ethical issue for our country, and this ethical dimension of the ANJ’s action is included in all of the regulator’s actions and reflections.

Three methodological principles pass through all the proposals in this plan

Pragmatism: The desire to build step by step the regulatory architecture put in place by the 2019 order so that each operator in the gambling market can realistically and effectively adopt the new obligations;

Dialogue: The need to build regulation with all the actors through an organized and continuous dialogue. The ANJ is convinced that, if the roles of each are distinct, it is essential that the regulator be close to the realities on the ground, in dialogue with the stakeholders in order to best adjust its positions, tools and services;

Coherence: Finally, the concern to work with other public structures to coordinate our actions and offer economic players the most coherent and readable public front possible.

The 5 strategic focus that will guide the ANJ’s action over the next three years are as follows:

1st STRATEGIC FOCUS: Building a “value-adding” regulator at the service of a sustainable recreational gambling market

The ANJ must bring value to the gambling sector by implementing a comprehensive toolkit that includes preventive, prescriptive, control and sanctioning actions in a regulatory continuum. This approach is in the interest of operators, the security of their practices and the confidence of their customers. It contributes to the protection of gamblers and the preservation of a gambling practice that must remain recreational.

2nd STRATEGIC FOCUS: Placing the player at the heart of regulation

Gambling concerns almost one French people out of two, which makes it a very appreciated and widespread leisure activity, oriented towards an essentially recreational practice. However, with an estimated 1.4 million problem gamblers, the prevention of excessive gambling is a central public health issue in which the ANJ must take part; the implementation of the new obligations of operators will be decisive in this respect. Finally, the protection of minors is a priority.

3rd STRATEGIC FOCUS: Building a forefront regulatory system

The gambling market is particularly creative in games offers, promotional strategies of operators or gambling platforms. In order to be in tune with this world, ANJ must integrate this culture of innovation and digital technology, both with respect to the players it regulates and internally, in its operating mode and tools.

4th STRATEGIC FOCUS: Promoting a European vision of gambling regulation

European cooperation with the ANJ’s counterparts needs to be strengthened since many issues, both operational and strategic for the regulation of gambling, are now being addressed at this level. This is the case of the fight against money laundering or illegal gambling or the emerging economic role of gaming platforms. At a time when a choice has to be made between several regulatory models, the ANJ wishes to play a leading role in European and international cooperation.

5th STRATEGIC FOCUS: Strengthening our working community

The scope and diversity of its regulatory scope and the new legal obligations imposed on operators result in a high rate of demand and a very heavy workload for the teams; this pressure also requires a great deal of joint work by the teams.

It is therefore essential to pool resources and information, empower employees and attract new talent. The aim is to make “working together efficiently” the common language of the ANJ, by multiplying opportunities for exchanges and meetings, by introducing new forms of work organization that are more transversal and empowering, but also by embodying the values of goodwill and conviviality on a daily basis.

EU gambling policy

Romania Proposes Raising Gambling Age to 21 and Restricting Online Advertising

Published

4 hours ago

November 5, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

romania-proposes-raising-gambling-age-to-21-and-restricting-online-advertising

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Romanian lawmakers have introduced new legislative proposals aimed at tightening gambling access and advertising rules, particularly to protect young people. The bills, submitted by MPs Raluca Turcan (PNL) and Diana Stoica (USR), would raise the minimum legal gambling age from 18 to 21 and restrict online gambling advertising between 06:00 and 24:00.

Under the proposals, individuals under the age of 21 would be prohibited from participating in gambling activities, while gambling ads would be banned across online platforms during daytime hours. The legislation also seeks to outlaw the use of influencers, athletes and public figures in gambling promotions.

Protecting young audiences

“We have an obligation to protect our children from the threat of gambling,” said USR deputy Diana Stoica, citing studies showing early exposure to slot machines and online betting among Romanian minors. According to Stoica, brain development, particularly in areas linked to impulse control and decision-making, continues until around the age of 21, making younger individuals more vulnerable to gambling addiction.

“One in four adolescents has played on these so-called ‘machines of death’ before turning 18,” she added, arguing that the legislation is a necessary step to reduce risks.

Aligning with European trends

PNL deputy Raluca Turcan called the proposed age increase a “simple change with deep effects,” noting that countries including Portugal, Greece and Moldova have adopted similar measures. She highlighted that individuals aged 18 to 21 often face increased financial pressure and impulsivity as they enter adulthood, making them a key target group for gambling marketing.

“By raising the age threshold, we protect young people during a vulnerable stage,” Turcan stated, referencing international examples where similar policies reportedly reduced early-age indebtedness and problem gambling cases.

Tighter ad rules and warning messages

The draft legislation further proposes:

A complete ban on online gambling advertising between 06:00 and 24:00
A ban on influencer and public-figure participation in gambling promotions
Mandatory visible harm-prevention warnings across digital and physical gambling environments, modeled after tobacco and alcohol regulation

The measures would amend Romania’s existing legal framework under Emergency Ordinance 77/2009.

What comes next

The bills will now proceed through the legislative process, including debate and committee review. If adopted, the changes would introduce some of the most restrictive gambling-advertising and access rules in the region.

The initiatives reflect an ongoing trend across Europe, where regulators are increasing focus on consumer protection, youth safeguards, and advertising limitations in the gambling sector.

The post Romania Proposes Raising Gambling Age to 21 and Restricting Online Advertising appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Digitain

Digitain Group Founder Honored with Outstanding Contribution to Gaming Award at SiGMA Central Europe 2025

Published

7 hours ago

November 5, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

Digitain Group is proud to announce that its Founder, Mr. Vardges Vardanyan, has been recognized with the Outstanding Contribution to Gaming Award at SiGMA Central Europe 2025.

For over 26 years, his vision and leadership have brought remarkable value to the iGaming industry — driving innovation, setting new standards in technology and compliance, and championing a culture of responsibility and integrity that continues to elevate the entire iGaming ecosystem.

Vardges Vardanyan, Founder of Digitain Group, commented: “I am deeply honored to receive this special award at the SiGMA Central Europe. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but a reflection of the dedication, innovation, and integrity that highlight Digitain Group’s vision. For over two decades, our mission has been to empower partners with technology that drives progress and responsibility across the industry. I am extremely proud of what we’ve built together — and even more inspired by what lies ahead as we continue to evolve.”

As a global B2B technology provider, Digitain Group remains dedicated to creating, delivering, and enhancing advanced software solutions that empower partners worldwide. Digitain’s platforms, products, and services are built to provide operators across diverse markets with reliable, flexible, and secure iGaming solutions.

With over 5,000 professionals and offices in Armenia, Romania, Malta, and Spain, and with an upcoming expansion into LatAm, Digitain continues to drive forward with the same passion and purpose inspired by Mr. Vardanyan’s legacy.

The post Digitain Group Founder Honored with Outstanding Contribution to Gaming Award at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Best Marketing Campaign 2025

SOFTSWISS Wins Best Marketing Campaign Award in iGaming

Published

9 hours ago

November 5, 2025

George Miller

softswiss-wins-best-marketing-campaign-award-in-igaming

Reading Time: 2 minutes

SOFTSWISS, a global tech leader in iGaming solutions, has won the Best Marketing Campaign 2025 title at the SiGMA Central Europe Awards for its ‘Hungry for Success? Dive in with SOFTSWISS’ campaign. The award recognises outstanding creativity, innovation, and execution in marketing campaigns that drive measurable engagement and have a significant industry impact.

The campaign made its debut at ICE Barcelona 2025, where SOFTSWISS introduced the image of a shark as a symbol of its strength, precision, and the drive to stay ahead. It encouraged partners to ‘dive in’ and grow together with SOFTSWISS, reinforcing the brand’s position as a technology leader in iGaming.

Alongside an interactive stand experience, the campaign featured a collaborative art performance by a renowned Spanish street artist Slim Safont, who created a striking shark mural live at the entrance of the expo venue. This activity reinforced the campaign’s message, leaving visitors with an unforgettable experience of interacting with the SOFTSWISS brand.

Across digital channels, ‘Hungry for Success’ achieved exceptional results, delivering strong visibility and engagement on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google Ads. The campaign outperformed expectations in terms of impressions and reach, while earning outstanding participant feedback for its creativity and execution.

Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, shares: “Hungry for Success isn’t just a campaign – it’s our mindset. It captures who we are as a brand: ambitious, brave, and determined to lead. Winning at the SiGMA Central Europe Awards proves that when creativity meets clarity and conviction, it resonates and delivers real results.”

Earlier in 2025, the company received the Best Marketing Campaign award for its ‘Cheers to 15 Years’ anniversary concept at SiGMA Africa. Later in the year, SOFTSWISS earned double recognition at the EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards. The team was named Marketing Team of the Year for its creative use of data and technology, while Valentina Bagniya, CMO at SOFTSWISS, was honoured as B2B Marketer of the Year for transforming the company’s marketing function into a global brand powerhouse.

Expanding its influence, SOFTSWISS has released the 2026 iGaming Trends Report, the fourth edition of its annual data-driven study. The ebook provides fresh insights into the industry’s future for operators, suppliers, and industry stakeholders. Visitors of the SiGMA Central Europe Summit can learn more about these trends during the 2026 iGaming Trends Marathon, which will take place on 5 November 2025, from 12:00 to 16:00, on the People, Partners & Performance Stage.

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 36,700 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform, and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.

The post SOFTSWISS Wins Best Marketing Campaign Award in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.