Reading Time: 2 minutes
BUCHAREST – Odeta nestor, the President of the Association of Remote Gambling Operators in Romania (AOJND), provided an insight into the state of remote gambling in Romania.
The Association of Operators of Remote Gambling (AOJND), represents all licensed remote gambling operators operating in Romania. Odeta stated that AOJND is in constant dialogue with the authorities to find optimal legislative and regulation solutions to serve the interests of the Romanian economy, gamblers and the industry. In this role, we align our activities with those of other trade associations that are legally operating in Romania in the banking, telecommunications or HORECA industries.
Odeta stated that “we haven’t taken a position” on the current draft law being discussed in the Chamber of Deputies. The bill was initiated by the Deputy Alfred Simonis.
Since the creation of the National Gambling Office in 2013, the priority has been given to eliminating unfair competition by unlicensed and unauthorized players. Odeta said, “In our opinion, the black market has reached its lowest level since the Revolution, due to the legal controls and regulations that are in place.”
Odeta said that only Romanian operators, or those who are from the European Union and the European Economic Area, can hold an operating license. The National Gambling Office has direct access to the game servers via a dedicated platform. It is strictly monitoring their activities. Operators also maintain backup and mirror servers on Romanian soil, in compliance with the existing legal provisions.
She stressed that all systems are audited by independent bodies licensed and regulated by the Romanian government, to ensure that all transactions are recorded correctly and that all safety and responsible gaming standards are met. “At the moment, remote gambling adheres with the highest standards in transparency and integrity. It has a 100% rate of tax collection.”
Odeta has praised the progress that has been made in the regulatory landscape for online gambling since 2013. Romania is now cited as an example of best practices for the sector with 30 licensed remote gambling operators.
She promised the full cooperation of the association to the Romanian government to stop the emergence of illegal offshore operators, and improve the public perception of this sector. “We agree that more must be done to protect the players and promote gambling as an entertainment form, not a way to get rich quick.”
Odeta highlighted the industry initiatives for responsible gambling, addiction prevention, AI systems, and strict measures to prevent underage access. “Remote gaming operators must report any suspicious transactions to law enforcement authorities, and they should maintain a close collaboration with them.”
Odeta concluded by assuring authorities that remote gambling operators are willing to work together with them in order to regulate the sector and improve its public perception.
