Romanian authorities prohibit renowned personalities from featuring in gambling advertisements under the latest regulations.
In a significant move towards promoting responsible gaming, the National Audiovisual Council (CNA) in Romania has imposed a ban on celebrities appearing in gambling advertisements across all media platforms. This decision, announced on June 26, 2025, is part of amendments to the Audiovisual Regulatory Code, the CNA's secondary legislation [1][4].
The new rule, outlined in Article 110, paragraph 7, of the Audiovisual Code, prohibits the use of public, cultural, scientific, sports, or other prominent personalities in gambling ads who might encourage participation due to their notoriety. This ban applies to television, radio, and online platforms [2].
Attempts by gambling companies like Winbet and organizations such as the Romanian Football Federation to allow celebrity appearances at least in social responsibility or awareness campaigns were unanimously rejected by the CNA [1]. This decision represents a tightening of celebrity gambling promotion rules in Romania, reflecting concerns about the influence of known personalities on gambling behaviour [3][4].
Notable figures who have previously appeared in gambling ads include tennis legend Ilie Naște and music artists like Antonia, Lora, and Alex Velea. Over the years, well-known Romanian football figures such as Rașvan Rat, Cristi Pulhac, Adrian Mutu, Dan Petrescu, Ilie Dumitrescu, Ioan Andone, and Florin Rașducioiu have also been associated with such advertisements [5].
The ban will become enforceable 90 days after the updated Audiovisual Code takes effect. This move is part of a broader effort to protect minors and promote responsible gaming, as a separate new article in the Audiovisual Code mandates that on-demand audiovisual media services comply with legal protections for minors when broadcasting gambling-related content [6].
In a positive response to this new regulation, Save the Children Romania launched the "No Stars" campaign earlier this month, which highlights athletes who do not appear in gambling ads, offering an alternative role model to youth [7].
This ban on celebrity gambling ads in Romania is a significant step towards promoting responsible gaming and protecting the public, especially minors, from potential harm associated with gambling. The CNA's decision is expected to have a ripple effect, encouraging other countries to follow suit in their efforts to promote responsible gaming practices.
References: [1] Romania's CNA bans celebrities from gambling ads. (2025, June 26). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/cna-bans-celebrities-gambling-ads/ [2] Romania bans celebrities from gambling ads. (2025, June 26). Retrieved from https://www.europeangaming.eu/news/romania-bans-celebrities-from-gambling-ads/ [3] Romania tightens rules on celebrity gambling promotion. (2025, June 26). Retrieved from https://www.casino.org/news/romania-tightens-rules-on-celebrity-gambling-promotion/ [4] Romania's new regulation bans celebrities from gambling ads. (2025, June 26). Retrieved from https://www.gamblinginsider.com/press-releases/romania-s-new-regulation-bans-celebrities-from-gambling-ads-25062025/ [5] Romanian celebrities who have appeared in gambling ads. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gamblingsites.org/news/romanian-celebrities-who-have-appeared-in-gambling-ads/ [6] New article in Audiovisual Code mandates protection for minors in gambling-related content. (2025, June 26). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/new-article-audiovisual-code-minors-gambling-content/ [7] Save the Children Romania launches "No Stars" campaign. (2025, June 10). Retrieved from https://www.romania-insider.com/save-the-children-romania-no-stars-campaign/
- The ban on celebrities in gambling advertisements applies to not only television and radio platforms, but also online media, which means sports, finance, and entertainment websites might soon be devoid of endorsements from prominent personalities in the gambling industry.
- Consequently, with celebrities no longer allowed to promote gambling in sports, entertainment, or finance arenas, there may be a shift towards responsible messaging in these sectors, potentially benefiting the public's financial and overall well-being in Romania.
