Vlad-Cristian Soare on restoring confidence in ONJN
Romania’s gambling sector is undergoing a renewal: On 17 April, lawyer was appointed president of the National Gambling Authority (ONJN) with the rank of State Secretary. The doctor of law and lecturer at the Faculty of Law of the University of Bucharest is responsible for monitoring the market and taking action to promote responsible gaming.
Soare also has considerable experience in the gambling sector. He served as CEO of the Romanian National Lottery from 2021 to 2022 and as president of the Federation of Romanian Gambling Organisers (FEDBET) since November 2022. In an exclusive interview for SiGMA News, Soare explained where he would start reorganising the management to regain the trust of the public and legal businesses.
Looking for balance
Tell us what makes you interested in working in the gaming industry.
With a background in public administration and regulatory oversight, I am drawn to the gaming industry because it is both dynamic and complex, requiring a careful balance between regulation, market development, and player protection. I am also motivated by the challenge of fighting the black market, which undermines fair competition and puts players at risk. My goal is to build on ONJN’s strengths, modernise the regulatory framework, and ensure that Romania has a safe, responsible, and sustainable gaming industry.
Criticism as an opportunity for reform
The activities of the ONJN have attracted considerable criticism in recent years, and this is likely the biggest challenge for the new head of the national regulator. How do you plan to remedy this situation and improve the reputation of the regulator?
I fully acknowledge the criticisms and see them as an opportunity for reform. ONJN has historically underperformed in addressing the social impact of gambling and in reinvesting in prevention and treatment programmes. I am determined to change that. We are launching the National Program for the Prevention and Treatment of Gambling Addiction, which will encompass treatment centres in every region, prevention campaigns, a 24/7 helpline, and research to better understand the social impact of gambling addiction. At the same time, we will continue to enforce strict compliance with the law, including closing illegal land-based and online operations. My mission is to restore trust in ONJN and show that we are both a partner to the industry and a guardian of the public interest.
Which of the reforms do you consider to be the most important for the Romanian gaming sector?
The most critical reforms focus on three pillars: prevention, treatment, and effective regulation. We need to address the black market decisively, both offline and online, to protect players and ensure fair competition. Equally important is the digitalisation of ONJN, which involves developing modern monitoring and control systems that enhance transparency and efficiency and enable rapid response. We plan to implement a unified IT system that allows consistent supervision across both online and land-based operations. Finally, we must ensure that funds earmarked for responsible gambling are used effectively to support prevention programmes, treatment centres, and research to understand the social impact and guide further reforms.
How much revenue do you think the Romanian gambling market can bring to the state budget after the reform?
Currently, the gambling sector contributes significantly to the state budget, both through gambling-specific taxes and related taxes. Thanks to ONJN’s strict oversight, the collection rate is exceptionally high compared to the national average. With continued reforms and enforcement against the black market, I am confident we can maintain and even increase this contribution, helping to address broader fiscal challenges.
How do you see the development of the Romanian gambling market? Are you interested in the presence of global operators in the local market?
The Romanian gambling market has reached a level of maturity, with active participation from some of the most reputable global companies. This presence raises industry standards and helps build a safer, more transparent market. At the same time, we remain committed to ensuring that all operators comply fully with our regulatory framework and contribute fairly to the state budget while maintaining a high collection rate and protecting players from harmful practices.
Updating the self-exclusion procedure
What will be the new self-exclusion procedure for Romanian players?
Self-exclusion must be a truly effective tool for protecting vulnerable players. Since taking office, our team has collaborated to process the substantial backlog of approximately 15,000 pending requests that we inherited. As a result, the system now records around 40,000 self-excluded individuals – a clear sign of the progress we have made as a team. However, to ensure that self-exclusion is accessible and consistent across both online and land-based operators, it is essential to develop a modern IT system that unifies the process nationwide. At the same time, we remain committed to strengthening responsible gambling programmes, treatment services, and research to make sure that anyone who needs help can access it quickly and effectively.
Which types of gambling do you consider the most promising and the safest?
It’s not about which type of gambling I consider to be safer than another. What matters is that all kinds of gambling offered in Romania operate under strict regulatory oversight, comply with transparency and responsible gambling requirements, and contribute fairly to the state budget. ONJN’s priority is to ensure that every operator, regardless of the type of gambling, follows the same rules to create a fair, safe, and responsible market.
Co-operation with government agencies to combat the black market
What will be the first measures taken to fight the black market?
We have initiated, after years of ignoring the problem, actions to close illegal gambling locations that have been operating in violation of the law. We are now extending these efforts into the digital space. Our immediate priorities include shutting down and blocking unauthorised online platforms, revoking licenses for service providers that support illegal operators, and cracking down on disguised raffles and promotions on social media platforms like TikTok that conceal gambling activities. We are working closely with the Prosecutor’s Office nationwide, the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM), and the National Bank of Romania to identify the most effective enforcement mechanisms. Fighting the black market is essential to protecting players and ensuring a fair, transparent, and responsible market.
Are there any plans to increase taxes on operators?
Fiscal policy is not within ONJN’s authority. Tax decisions are proposed by the Ministry of Finance and ultimately by the Government or Parliament. However, as the specialised regulatory body, we will provide objective and consistent data to help policymakers make informed decisions. Any measures taken mustn’t incentivise migration to the black market, which would undermine the efforts we have made to maintain a fair, transparent, and responsible market.
Supporting global companies and the business community
Do you have the support of the business community and the authorities in planning the changes?
We never know what the future will bring, but at this moment, I am grateful to have the support of both the business community and the relevant authorities. I am a technocrat, and I know what needs to be done to modernise and improve the gaming sector. I hope that this support will continue so that together, we can implement the necessary reforms to build trust, protect players, and maintain a high level of tax collection that benefits the entire country.
This article was first published in Russian on 10 June 2025.
