Key Moments:
- ONJN committed €5 million to the new ‘Conscious and Free’ social program
- Draft regulations for the initiative are due within 30 days, open to agencies and NGOs
- Regulator continues digital overhaul with data systems, self-exclusion, and a modern operator portal
ONJN Shifts Focus to Community Projects
Vlad-Cristian Soare, head of Romania’s National Gambling Regulatory Authority (ONJN), provided an overview of the organization’s first six months under its current direction. After fulfilling mandatory legal duties, ONJN is moving forward with social initiatives, starting with the impending launch of the ‘Conscious and Free’ project. This program is designed to aid young people and vulnerable populations, and ONJN has earmarked €5 million for its initial phase.
Details of the ‘Conscious and Free’ Program
The ONJN has positioned this initiative as a key step in combating gambling-related harm, aiming to reinforce the sector’s commitment to social responsibility. As ONJN rebuilds trust following past accusations, the national program enters a public consultation phase. In the upcoming 30 days, draft rules will outline evaluation, selection, and funding methodologies for prospective applicants. Submissions are open to government agencies and non-governmental organizations seeking funding support.
This marks ONJN’s first social responsibility venture of its type. If successful, another €5 million session is planned for 2026. Supported projects will focus on gambling addiction prevention and treatment, as well as protecting minors and other at-risk groups.
| Budget Allocation | Amount (€) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure (state institutions only) | 1,200,000 | Treatment center expansion and equipment |
| Prevention, Education, and Related Areas | 3,800,000 | Prevention, education, minor protection, treatment and counseling, research, digitalization, responsible gaming promotion |
Ongoing Digital Modernization Efforts
Alongside its social endeavor, ONJN is rolling out awareness campaigns and introducing a 24-hour helpline. The authority, in partnership with the Romanian Digitalisation Authority, has already delivered a cloud-based data storage platform for land-based gambling operators.
According to Soare’s LinkedIn update, immediate focuses include:
- Transaction monitoring with automated violation detection and anti-shadow market capabilities
- Highly efficient self-exclusion systems
- Digital document workflows and a virtual operator collaboration platform
- Updated request portal featuring a chatbot and revamped website
Soare underlined that these advancements will proceed at the same pace as prior achievements. In 2025, ONJN implemented a self-exclusion platform, enforced stricter oversight on gambling operators, published a public gaming funds register, and activated funding streams for addiction-related initiatives.
Significant Rebound After Audit Challenges
The momentum under ONJN’s present leadership has been notable, particularly in light of previous institutional risk. Earlier in the year, the regulator faced potential dissolution. In February 2025, ONJN was scrutinized over unmet statutory obligations, following a 2023 audit by the Court of Auditors that stretched back to 2019.
Audit findings revealed numerous operational lapses, leading to a shortfall in anticipated tax income for Romania’s state coffers. The Court concluded that ONJN had not instituted a compliant monitoring system for licensed operators, meaning crucial regulatory data remained inaccessible to tax authorities.
Looking Ahead
ONJN appears poised for a new chapter, with the regulator’s social and digital strategies aiming to rebuild trust and drive sector responsibility.
- Author
Daniel Williams
