Celebrities are now banned from appearing in gambling ads on television, radio, and online platforms, following a decision made on June 26 during a public session of Romania’s National Audiovisual Council (CNA).
This measure is included in a set of amendments to the Audiovisual Regulatory Code, which serves as the CNA’s secondary legislation.
The new article states:
It is prohibited to broadcast advertising for gambling in which public, cultural, scientific, sports personalities or other individuals who, due to their online notoriety, may encourage participation in such games, are present.
The new rule will become enforceable 90 days after the updated Audiovisual Code takes effect.
Attempts to block the provision came from various institutions and gambling operators. Winbet, for instance, requested that celebrities be allowed in “social responsibility” campaigns, while the Romanian Football Federation made a similar appeal. Kaizergaming, the Federation of Gambling Organizers, and the Romanian Bureau for Transmedia Audit also called for the article’s removal.
However, all proposed amendments were unanimously rejected.
Over the years, well-known Romanian football figures such as Răzvan Raț, Cristi Pulhac, Adrian Mutu, Dan Petrescu, Ilie Dumitrescu, Ioan Andone, and Florin Răducioiu have appeared in gambling ads, as have tennis legend Ilie Năstase and music artists like Antonia, Lora, and Alex Velea.
A separate new article in the Audiovisual Code also mandates that on-demand audiovisual media services comply with legal protections for minors when broadcasting gambling-related content.
Earlier this month, Save the Children Romania launched the “No Stars” campaign, which highlights athletes who do not appear in gambling ads, offering an alternative role model to youth.
