Romania’s gambling sector is facing further turmoil following Parliament’s approval of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolaku’s decree to enforce the ‘Legea Păcănelelor’ (The Pannel Law).
Yesterday, Prime Minister Ciolaku declared victory for the Romanian PSD-i-PNL coalition government, achieving approval for a ban on gambling establishments in cities with a population of less than 15,000 people.
The law was passed by vote in the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday afternoon, with the result: 243 votes in favor of the law, four abstentions and two deputies who did not vote.
According to Romanian news sources, Prime Minister Ciolaku sped up the process of passing the law by signing the draft as an “order” to facilitate its passage through the Chamber of Deputies.
Parliament’s progressive decision to ban gambling establishments applies to retail and entertainment establishments with slot machines in small towns and rural areas with a population of less than 15,000 people.
Prime Minister Ciolaku praised this decision, saying: “The good old days of those who profited greedily by selling people’s illusions are over. The Parliament voted today to remove gambling slums from more than 90 percent of the localities in Romania.”
The new law will affect the activities of 27 licensed bookmaker operators in Romania, including market leaders SuperBet, StanleyBet, Casa Pariurilor (Fortuna Entertainment) and Mozzart Kladionica.
Once approved by the Chamber of Deputies, the ban will come into force 10 days after the law officially comes into force, and the law does not provide for compensation to local traders.
Romanian observers had previously noted developments in the coalition government related to the reorganization of the leadership of the National Gambling Authority (ONJN) prior to yesterday’s announcement.
Controversy arose over Prime Minister Ciolaku’s appointment of novice councilor Cristian-Gabriel Pascu as vice-president of the Gaming Authority, who has no experience in the field or in government activities, and is also a hairdresser and beauty salon owner.
Pascu will be responsible for Office’s supervisory rulings on gambling operations and penalties, given the introduction of stricter tax collection measures on gambling licenses by the Ministry of Finance in 2024.
Prime Minister Ciolaku expressed support for tougher measures against gambling operators:“protecting people must be the priority, not some extra money brought to the budget obtained on the suffering of people. We have increased gambling taxes, better regulated the field, banned gambling in towns with less than 15,000 inhabitants, and will continue to take measures until things are under control. I am not afraid of anyone and I will go to the end on this matter.”
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