Gambling advertising in Romania could change fundamentally. The National Audiovisual Council (CNA) is currently discussing regulations that would restrict gambling advertising on television and online to the hours after midnight. Outdoor gambling billboards could be banned entirely.
Context: Gambling Advertising in Romania Today
Unlike Italy — where the Decreto Dignità imposed a total ban from 2018 — Romania has not yet adopted such a measure. ONJN-licensed operators can advertise on television, radio, online and outdoor billboards. A significant restriction would fundamentally change the competitive dynamic.
What the Proposed Regulations Entail
TV and online advertising would be restricted to the 00:00-06:00 window. Outdoor billboards would be banned entirely. The restrictions would not apply to specialist printed press.
The Lesson from Italy
The Italian experience offers a useful warning. The Decreto Dignità eliminated legitimate advertising but did not eliminate advertising — it moved it outside Italian jurisdiction. Romania should evaluate whether the proposed restrictions will genuinely reduce the population's exposure or simply transfer that exposure from licensed operators to unlicensed ones.