The first bill of Romania to legalize the online gambling industry in the country is rejected by the European Commission, which gave detailed reasons why the Bill is incompatible with European law. Following the rejection, the proposal can not be implemented.

EGBA or European Gaming and Betting Association, an organization that fights for the rights of some of the largest Internet gaming companies was quick with a response. Sigrid Ligné, EGBA Secretary General said: “EGBA welcomes the Romanian government’s willingness to reform its online gaming and betting market. However, EGBA notes that Romania is the third country in the last 12 months to receive a detailed opinion from the European Commission and will have, as in the case of Denmark and Poland, to re-notify and adjust its draft legislation.”

The bill was analysed by the EGBA and some sections of the bill will have a major doubt under the EU legislation. Some of the chapters are:

• The discriminatory prohibition of marketing and advertising activities for EU licensed companies which are not authorised in Romania.
• The requirement for EU licensed online betting companies to have their servers in Romania.
• The requirement for EU licensed online companies to be established in Romania.
• The unjustified exclusion of online pool betting while all other forms of online gambling would be allowed.

Sigrid Ligné, added: “While we support Romania’s legitimate wish to regulate its online gaming market, it is important from a consumer protection perspective that national gambling policies are consistent,As confirmed by the ECJ in its recent rulings, there are less restrictive means than forced establishment to monitor and control the online gaming and betting market.”

Romania is required to respond to the concerns of the Commission, if it does not take into account the objections by the Commission, the Commission may decide to start an infringement procedure.