On Monday, senators adopted Decree 20/2023 on the organization and activities of gambling and the functioning of the National Gambling Office (ONJN). With 79 votes “for”, one “against” and one “abstention”, the senators rejected the bill on the adoption of the decree.

The specialized committees of the Senate gave an approving report without amendments to the government order.

The main changes to the current legislation are aimed at increasing the fees associated with the license to organize and conduct gambling games, banning alcoholic beverages on the premises, creating a register of companies and head offices, as well as increasing the guarantees provided by companies, the obligation of operators to have registered office in Romania.

Amendments of the EDR to the regulatory act were rejected. USR Senator Simona Spataru argued that the decree is mainly aimed at raising taxes, but does not establish measures to protect those who have become victims of this gambling scourge.