The Supreme Court of Romania has mandated a constitutional review of recently imposed restrictions on brick-and-mortar casinos in towns with less than 15,000 people. Following Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu’s executive decree prohibiting gaming in these small towns, the parliament approved it in April, with an impressive majority of 243 deputies voting.
The Supreme Court of Cassation and Justice concluded they must go through a constitutional review by the Constitutional Court of Romania before these restrictions could be applied to criminal law. Operating slot-machine gambling devices without a municipal license in areas with more than 15,000 residents attracts fines or three to twelve months in jail. False population size certificates can potentially result in six-month to three-year jail sentences.
The verdict of the Supreme Court on the gaming bans exposed major constitutional flaws. It underscored how the proposed acts violated the bicameral concept in approving federal laws. One of the primary issues was the lack of clarity in the statute on which regions would be subject to the restrictions and how affected gaming facilities would have to relocate.
Moreover, the court noted the lack of clear instructions on following the regulations, particularly in rural areas with limited resources. Concerns voiced by local businesses affected by the restriction concerning their lack of compensation
Romania’s Government Commits To Strict Gambling Regulations
Notwithstanding these challenges, Romania’s government is determined about tight regulations on gaming. Prime Minister Ciolacu is a staunch advocate of public welfare, taking the front stage above the financial gains from gambling activities. He claims that the new slot rules are a whole effort to stop over 90% of Romanian localities from experiencing gaming exploitation. Ciolacu contrasts the negative consequences of drug abuse and drinking with those of gambling addiction.
Early in April, Cristian-Gabriel Pascu was appointed Vice President of the National Gambling Office (ONJN) despite having no experience in government jobs or gambling. The parliament is still convinced the prohibition would be maintained even if the government had not proposed compensation for the 27 licensed betting office operators nationally, including well-known names like SuperBet, StanleyBet, and Casa Pariurilor.
Dealing with the legal and pragmatic issues identified by the Supreme Court depends on the review of the Constitutional Court. This assessment will determine the fate of the gambling prohibition in small towns throughout Romania, ensuring that any laws implemented are legally strong and practically enforceable.
Under Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the Romanian government has implemented several financial and legislative measures for the gaming industry. In late 2023, an emergency ordinance sharply raised the yearly gambling license fees. For example, an online gaming license cost €500,000.
Other laws include stricter advertising rules, an alcohol ban in gambling venues, and a requirement that gaming firms keep their financial headquarters in Romania. These changes are part of a bigger strategy to increase oversight and ensure that gaming activities more successfully aid the state budget by supporting responsible gambling behaviors.
The implementation of these new regulations raises still another crucial question. Controversially, Ciolacu elected Vice President of the ONJN Cristian-Gabriel Pascu, proprietor of a beauty company without experience in gambling management. Notwithstanding criticism, this nomination highlights the government’s commitment to more strict control and execution of gambling regulations.
The ONJN will mainly be responsible for implementing these new rules and ensuring industry compliance. Moreover, additional taxes and tougher rules on gaming activities show the government’s willingness to protect its citizens from the negative consequences of betting.
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