Romania Moves to Increase Gambling Age to 21 and Enforce Stricter Advertising Restrictions
Romanian Member of Parliament Raluca Turcan has introduced two legislative initiatives aimed at reforming the country’s gambling regulations. The first proposal seeks to raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21, while the second aims to impose stringent restrictions on advertising, including a ban on endorsements by celebrities and influencers. These measures are designed to reduce gambling exposure among young people and to better align Romania’s policies with broader European standards. Romania gambling age
The proposal to increase the legal gambling age underscores concerns about the vulnerability of young adults. Filed in Parliament on November 5, the legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals who are in a transitional phase of life—just starting their studies or careers—and learning to manage their finances. Raluca Turcan explained that “the 18–21 age bracket is a vulnerable stage in life,” asserting that delaying access to gambling could provide young people with more time to attain emotional and financial stability. She cited examples from European countries such as Portugal, Greece, and Moldova, where higher age limits have reportedly contributed to lower rates of early gambling addiction and debt.
In addition to raising the age limit, Turcan’s second bill targets gambling advertising practices, especially online. The proposed restrictions would prohibit advertising between 6 a.m. and midnight, aligning with periods when minors and young adults are most active online. Furthermore, the legislation would ban public figures, including influencers and athletes, from promoting gambling products. Turcan pointed out that “young people are more likely to follow the behaviour of public figures than respond to traditional advertising,” highlighting the need for more responsible marketing standards.
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If these reforms are approved, Romania would bring its gambling regulations closer to the standards adopted by other European nations, which have increasingly restricted advertising and raised age limits in recent years. Both bills are currently under review in Parliament, with expectations that, if passed, the new regulations will take effect in 2026.
