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Compliance Updates

AOJND and FEDBET to Appoint Expert Task Force to Support ONJN in Combating the Illegal Gambling Market

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The Association of Remote Gambling Operators (AOJND) and the Federation of Gambling Organizers (FEDBET) — the two leading representative organizations of the gambling industry in Romania — have announced a joint initiative to form a multidisciplinary team of experts. This team will support the National Gambling Office (ONJN) in efforts to combat the illegal gambling market.

At the same time, both organizations are calling on their members — licensed gambling operators in Romania — as well as the general public, to actively contribute any relevant information that may assist authorities in addressing this issue. To facilitate this, an email address has been created: [email protected], where individuals can report gambling activities carried out without the necessary licenses and authorizations. All reports will be collected, verified, and forwarded promptly to ONJN.

This initiative comes in response to a recent ONJN statement reiterating that it is illegal to directly or indirectly provide services related to gambling to entities lacking a Class I license issued by ONJN, particularly if they offer access to players residing in Romania or to Romanian citizens without tax residency in another country.

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“AOJND members are firmly committed to combating the illegal gambling market — a growing phenomenon that harms not only legitimate operators but, more importantly, players, who become vulnerable and unprotected. Our members — licensed operators — are focused on building honest and sustainable businesses, and that begins with ensuring safe conditions for players,” said Odeta Nestor, President of AOJND.

“For FEDBET, eliminating the black market in gambling is a top priority — not just to protect the interests of our members, but to ensure a fair and secure market for all players. Unlicensed operators directly undermine market stability by violating regulations and attracting players into unregulated environments. The consequences are severe: increased player vulnerability, losses to the state budget, and additional fiscal pressure on licensed operators. We fully support the authorities and are committed to using all available resources to identify and report illegal practices,” said Alexandru Domșa, General Director of FEDBET.

Both FEDBET and AOJND emphasize that only through active collaboration between industry stakeholders, authorities, and civil society can Romania maintain a legal, fair, and secure gambling market that provides both consumer protection and regulatory safeguards for society at large.

The black market in gambling presents serious challenges: a complete lack of legal protection for players — especially those in vulnerable groups — tax evasion, disruption of fair competition, and the generation of funds for criminal groups, fueling their influence, corruption, and ultimately leading to the loss of thousands of jobs.

In this spirit, the two organizations remain open to dialogue and cooperation with all relevant stakeholders in support of building a responsible, sustainable, and transparent gambling industry in Romania.

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The post AOJND and FEDBET to Appoint Expert Task Force to Support ONJN in Combating the Illegal Gambling Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Romania Blocks 30 Unlicensed Gambling Websites

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Romania’s gambling authority, the ONJN, has blacklisted 30 gambling websites after finding they were offering online casino and sports betting without local licences. Internet service providers (ISPs) now have 15 days to cut access, redirecting users to an official ONJN page explaining the block.

The 30 blocked sites range from obscure names to platforms that had been attracting steady traffic. Domains include wazbee.casino, jacktop.com, roostake.com, a string of “nv” branded casinos (nv5.casino through nv93.casino), and several under the ybets label.

Some of these platforms appeared almost overnight and marketed heavily on social media. Others had been active for months, drawing Romanian players with offers that licensed brands simply cannot match under current advertising rules.

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The ruling obliges Romanian ISPs to redirect any traffic from the blacklisted domains to a designated ONJN IP address. Players trying to access those sites will instead see a page confirming the operator is not authorised to operate in Romania.

The post Romania Blocks 30 Unlicensed Gambling Websites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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New Indian Law Aims to Curb Online Money Gambling Sector, Prohibits Related Advertising

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Following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 on August 21, the government of India imposes a complete ban on online money games, alongside the advertisements related to the sector.

Passed by the parliament, any financial transactions related to these platforms would be considered unlawful as stated under the Information Technology Act of 2000. The legislation also aims to establish a national-level regulatory authority that will govern the categorising and registration of online games.

The said authority shall issue guidelines, codes of practice and directions for compliance, with strict punishments induced, leading to imprisonment for up to three years, and a fine to one crore rupees or 114,017 USD.

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The advertisement of the said games is also punishable with similar penalties, with imprisonment up to two years and a fine of up to fifty lakh rupees 1140 USD.

While the law prohibited online money gaming such poker, rummy and fantasy sports that offer cash rewards, e-sports are considered and recognised as a legitimate competitive sport in India, and is not included in the total ban, as well as online social games or casual games that are recreational in nature.

This draws that the bill-turned-law, used a “balanced approach” since recognising that the online gaming sector is one of the most dynamic segments in the digital and creative economy, hence, still allowing esports and online social games.

This came after the report of over 45 crore or 45,000,000 people were reportedly affected by online money games and have lost more than Rs. 20,000 crores or 2,280.414 USD, according to Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology.

According to the same ministry, the total ban was driven by the following reasons:

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• Addiction and Financial Ruin

• Mental Health and Suicide

• Fraud and Money Laundering

• Threat to National Security

• Closing Legal Loopholes

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• Encouraging Healthy Alternatives

Meanwhile, the bill also stated that while the online gaming authority governs the registration of online games, the central government still has the authority to frame the rules for the promotion and advertisement of e-sports, online social games and other rules related under the law.

In total, the legislation aims to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly the middle class and youth by introducing these strict regulations and a greater emphasis on brand responsibility and ethical advertising.

The post New Indian Law Aims to Curb Online Money Gambling Sector, Prohibits Related Advertising appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

Bacta commissioned research shows huge support for seaside arcades led by Gen Z

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The findings of independent research conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 2,000 UK Nationally representative respondents aged 16+ shows that Generation Z has fallen in love with the seaside arcades so popular with their grandparents. 

The research reveals that 8 in 10 respondents (81 percent) view seaside arcades as being part of British culture and it is young Brits that are banging the drum for arcades, with 90 percent of 25–34-year-olds backing their importance.

Despite overwhelming public support from Britain’s younger generations, seaside arcades continue to face a perfect storm of challenges from rising energy and staffing costs, plus the threat of increased taxation as suggested by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

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72 percent say Government should do more to protect them – with 86 percent of those aged 25-34-years calling for urgent action.

The research findings confirm the central role played by seaside arcades with 72 percent of adults saying they would visit an arcade on a trip to the seaside a figure that rises to 91 percent for 24-34-year-olds.

In terms of providing accessible entertainment 55 percent say that arcades offer great value for money, making them the UK’s most affordable family day out. As a result, 84 percent confirmed they have enjoyed arcades with multiple generations of their family.

The importance of contributions to local economies featured highly in the research paper with 7 in 10 stating that arcades play a key role in regenerating seaside towns, a figure that rises to 85 percent of 18-24-year-olds.

Reflecting on the research findings Joseph Cullis, President of UK trade association, Bacta said: “Britain’s seaside arcades are a vital element of our proud tourism industry, a modern cultural icon, and have been a fun family activity for more than a century.

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“It’s brilliant but not surprising to see young people are embracing them with all the enthusiasm of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents before them.

“At Bacta, we’re fighting to protect our seaside arcades from the threats of rising costs and from those who want to tax them out of existence. We hope that local councillors, MPs and the Treasury will heed the wants and needs of the British people and protect these vital institutions.”

Elliot Ball, who co-owns and runs Clacton Pier with his brother Billy, said other attractions would be at risk if arcades were taxed even more.

“I’m the fifth generation of my family – on both sides – involved in amusement arcades so this is a labour of love” he stated.

“But the threat from the government to raise gambling tax would put at risk a traditional family day out to the seaside. Trips here have been making memories for generations, and it’s great that younger people are finding the same safe, harmless fun on the pier that has been raising a smile and lighting up eyes for years and years.

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“We’ve bounced back from the pandemic and the rise of staycations helps, but many of Britain’s most beloved seaside attractions will be put at high risk if gambling taxes rise.”

The post Bacta commissioned research shows huge support for seaside arcades led by Gen Z appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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