Turbulence in the Romanian gambling market has escalated following the arrest of the regulator’s Deputy General Director over allegations of bribery.
Dan Ghita, Chairman, Rombet, described the latest developments as ‘deeply concerning’ as he spoke to iGaming Expert ahead of his appearance on the ‘Generational Bet: Romania’s Reckoning on Gambling Regulation’ panel at the SBC Summit in Lisbon.
What’s your reaction to reports of the ONJN’s Deputy General Director allegedly taking bribes from companies to accelerate regulatory processes?
Any allegation of corruption involving public officials is deeply concerning because it undermines confidence in the institutions responsible for regulating an important economic sector. We must respect the legal process and see the final conclusions.
From an industry perspective, the key issue goes beyond any individual case. Romania needs regulatory institutions that are independent, transparent and accountable. Businesses that comply with the law expect a level playing field where administrative decisions are made objectively, consistently and within clear legal timeframes.
These events should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen governance, improve institutional safeguards and reinforce public confidence in the regulatory system.
What steps should the ONJN take to reassure the industry that the issue is not more widespread than the people named in the reports?
The priority should be complete transparency and deep institutional reform. The ONJN should demonstrate that its internal governance, compliance procedures and decision-making processes are robust enough to prevent similar situations in the future.
This includes strengthening internal controls, increasing transparency around licensing and regulatory decisions, improving audit mechanisms and maintaining open communication with licensed operators and other stakeholders.
Equally important is ensuring that the regulator acts independently, professionally and predictably. Trust is not rebuilt through statements alone—it is rebuilt through consistent actions over time.
The Romanian gambling industry wants a regulator that is respected both domestically and internationally, because regulatory credibility benefits consumers, operators and the state alike.
Given last year’s controversy over auditing issues as well, how confident are you in the ONJN to effectively oversee Romania’s gambling sector?
Romania already has a mature regulated gambling market with experienced operators and a comprehensive legal framework. What is needed now is stronger institutional capacity and greater regulatory stability.
The recent controversies have undoubtedly affected confidence, but they should also serve as a catalyst for reform rather than a reason to weaken the regulatory system. A strong regulator remains essential for consumer protection, market integrity and effective enforcement against illegal operators.
The industry is looking for a regulator that is technically competent, transparent and independent, and that works in genuine partnership with all stakeholders while maintaining appropriate regulatory distance.
Rebuilding confidence is possible, but it requires long-term commitment to good governance, professional administration and evidence-based policymaking. Combined with a modern legislative framework, stronger responsible gambling programmes and more effective action against the black market, this would significantly strengthen Romania’s gambling sector and its contribution to the wider economy.
Can you tell us more about the impact of the ONJN regulator and its current standing in the market in terms of trust?
The Romanian gambling market has gone through a difficult period. The recent corruption investigations involving both former and current employees of the regulator have inevitably affected confidence in the regulatory framework. Regardless of the legal outcomes for the individuals involved, these events have highlighted the need for stronger governance, greater transparency and more robust institutional oversight.
However, it is important to distinguish between the institution and the individuals under investigation. Romania needs a strong, independent and credible regulator. Rebuilding trust requires transparent decision-making, predictable enforcement of the law and an open dialogue with all stakeholders. Confidence in regulation is fundamental for both operators and consumers.
What do you believe needs to be done to ensure stability in the Romanian gambling market and why is it so vital to the country’s wider economy?
The Romanian gambling sector needs a comprehensive rethink of its legislative framework rather than continuous amendments driven by short-term political considerations. Stable legislation allows operators to invest, innovate and contribute responsibly to the economy.
The industry generates significant tax revenues, supports thousands of jobs, attracts technology investments and contributes to many related sectors. Stability also enables operators to invest in responsible gambling, consumer protection and compliance. An unpredictable regulatory environment ultimately weakens consumer protection, the market and public finances.
What impact would significant regulatory reform for the gambling sector have on the wider Romanian economy?
Well-designed regulatory reform would have positive economic and especially social effects. A modern framework would encourage compliance, improve tax collection, strengthen consumer protection and create greater certainty for investors.
Unfortunately, legislation that is excessively restrictive or poorly designed has already contributed to the growth of the retail black market. Illegal operators pay no taxes, ignore responsible gambling obligations and expose consumers to greater risks. This has a significant macroeconomic impact through lost fiscal revenues, unfair competition and zero consumer protection.
Effective regulation should therefore focus on creating a sustainable legal market that successfully competes against illegal gambling rather than unintentionally encouraging it.
What steps do you believe a new government should focus on in the Romanian market when it comes to the stability of the gambling sector?
The first priority should be establishing evidence-based policymaking. Decisions should be based on data, international best practices and consultation with all relevant stakeholders rather than populist measures.
Secondly, the government should strengthen institutional integrity and ensure the regulator operates with complete transparency and independence. At this moment, ONJN has little chance of washing away the ‘dirt’ it is in. Perhaps the measure that can have an effect is the abolition of the institution in its current form and the creation of a new entity under a new gambling law, redesigned and adapted to the realities we live in, which would provide all the necessary tools to carry out a fair, safe and transparent activity.
Thirdly, Romania needs genuine investment in education, prevention and responsible gambling programmes. Protecting vulnerable players requires long-term cooperation between government, operators, healthcare professionals and civil society.
Finally, enforcement against illegal operators should become a national priority, as consumer protection can only be effective if the legal market remains competitive.
Romanian politicians have led the call for a unified tax on gambling, leading the call for an EU-wide levy on gambling revenues. Do you think this is a feasible option and what impact would this have?
The discussion around greater European coordination is both relevant and welcome. While every Member State should retain flexibility to reflect its national market, greater harmonisation of regulatory principles and certain taxation standards could reduce market distortions and strengthen cross-border cooperation.
A unified European approach could improve enforcement against illegal operators, increase regulatory consistency and provide greater certainty for international investors. However, any common framework should remain balanced and evidence-based, recognising the diversity of European markets.
How significant is the fight against the black market across the Balkans and does a unified approach need to be taken?
This is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry. Illegal operators do not respect national borders, making regional cooperation increasingly important.
A coordinated Balkan and European approach to information sharing, enforcement and regulatory cooperation would significantly strengthen efforts against the black market. At the same time, governments must recognise that excessive regulation and disproportionate taxation often push consumers towards illegal alternatives.
The objective should be to make the regulated market the safest and most attractive option for consumers.
What are the key messages and concerns currently being relayed by Romanian operators?
Operators are asking for predictability, proportional regulation and meaningful dialogue.
The industry fully supports responsible gambling, effective regulation and strong consumer protection. However, businesses also need legislative stability and policies that are based on evidence rather than political pressure.
There is also a strong desire to work together with authorities on education programmes, responsible gambling initiatives and more effective enforcement against illegal operators.
Has Rombet collaborated with the government at all, and how did these conversations go?
Rombet has maintained an active dialogue with government institutions and continues to offer technical expertise and practical proposals on regulatory matters.
While we appreciate that communication channels exist, many of the measures adopted so far have reflected short-term political considerations rather than comprehensive, sustainable public policy. We believe there is still considerable room for more constructive cooperation based on data, international best practices and genuine consultation with the industry.
Our objective remains the same: building a transparent, sustainable and well-regulated market that protects consumers while supporting economic growth.
Can you tell us about the importance of events such as the SBC Summit in Lisbon and having conversations with the wider industry?
Events such as the SBC Summit are extremely valuable because they bring together regulators, operators, technology providers, policymakers and experts from across the world.
They provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from successful regulatory models and discuss common challenges such as responsible gambling, technological innovation, anti-money laundering, consumer protection and combating the black market.
For Romania, these international discussions are particularly important. We can learn from jurisdictions that have successfully balanced consumer protection with sustainable market development. Collaboration across Europe will be increasingly important as discussions continue around greater regulatory coordination and common standards.
Ultimately, no market operates in isolation, and the future of the industry will depend on dialogue, cooperation and evidence-based policymaking rather than fragmented national approaches.
Source: iGaming Expert
