Romania Bans Celebrities from Gambling Ads

Celebrities will no longer be able to appear in gambling ads on TV, radio and online, following a decision voted on Wednesday in a public meeting of the National Audiovisual Council of Romania (CAN). The provision is part of a series of amendments that passed the Code of Broadcasting Regulation, the NAC’s secondary legislation.

“It is forbidden to broadcast advertising for gambling featuring public, cultural, scientific, sports or other personalities who, due to their online notoriety, may encourage participation in such games,” says the new Article 110, paragraph 7 of the newly voted Audiovisual Code.

The new provision will become mandatory in a few months, more precisely 90 days after the Audiovisual Code enters into force.

Several amendments were submitted by institutions or gambling companies in an attempt to stop this provision.

Among the challengers were Winbet, which asked the CNA to allow stars to be used at least in “social responsibility” campaigns. So did the Romanian Football Federation, which proposed that personalities should be allowed to appear in awareness or social responsibility campaigns.

Kaizergaming, the Federation of Gambling Organisers and the Romanian Bureau of Transmedia Audit asked for the deletion of the article.

All amendments were unanimously rejected.