Romanian Shake-up: New ONJN President Tomescu Targets €1bn Tax Shortfall

The landscape of Romanian gambling regulation is undergoing a seismic shift as the new leadership at the National Gambling Office (ONJN) begins to dismantle years of administrative stagnation. Valentin-Ioan Tomescu, appointed on August 21 by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, has wasted no time in ordering a full strategic review of the agency. This move comes after the sudden removal of Vlad-Cristian Soare, who claimed he was never officially informed of the reasons for his dismissal. The transition marks the latest chapter in a turbulent period for the regulator, which has struggled with governance issues since early 2025.

Tomescu’s initial assessment, conducted during his first three weeks in office, revealed significant weaknesses in staffing, administrative workflows, and digital infrastructure. The regulator has been hampered by reliance on outdated analog systems, which the new president intends to replace with modern digital solutions. The primary goal is to increase transparency and efficiency in how the office interacts with both citizens and licensed operators. Tomescu emphasized that while the assessment is crucial, it must be followed by immediate and concrete actions to stabilize the institution.

Numbers and facts

The most staggering revelation comes from a Court of Accounts audit covering the years 2019 to 2023. The report suggests that unpaid licensing fees and taxes could amount to nearly €1 billion. This fiscal black hole has placed the ONJN under intense scrutiny. To combat this, Tomescu announced on September 14 that a new digital document management system would be implemented within approximately two weeks. This system is designed to automate the registration of petitions and correspondence, reducing processing times and allowing staff to track response deadlines more effectively.

Human resources are another critical focus. The initial review identified a severe staff shortage that currently limits the ONJN’s ability to fulfill its legal mandates. Tomescu has pledged to professionalize the management structure, ensuring that promotions to leadership roles are based strictly on competence and departmental performance rather than political ties. Furthermore, the ONJN is initiating a national program for gambling addiction treatment, seeking partnerships with healthcare institutions to provide assessment and counseling services, though funding details remain unspecified.

Background

This administrative overhaul takes place against a backdrop of broader political and economic tension in Romania. Under President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Bolojan, the country has faced austerity measures, including VAT increases, to address budget deficits. Recovering the missing €1 billion from the gambling sector is therefore a high priority for the government. The ONJN has seen three different presidents in a very short period, reflecting the instability caused by the 2025 audit failures. Tomescu’s appointment is seen as a final attempt to salvage the regulator's reputation through digitalization and accountability.

“The first three weeks have been devoted primarily to assessing our activities and identifying problems requiring immediate intervention. It is extremely important that I have an accurate picture of the institution’s situation before making decisions, but the assessment must be followed by concrete measures.” - Valentin-Ioan Tomescu, President of ONJN

Why it matters for German players

For German players participating in the regulated market under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), the situation in Romania serves as a reminder of the value of a stable regulatory environment. While the Romanian ONJN is currently rebuilding its oversight capabilities, the German Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) already provides a rigorous framework. The €1,000 monthly deposit limit managed via the LUGAS system and the €1 per spin limit for virtual slots ensure a level of safety that is currently being sought through reforms in Romania. German players who stick to the official GGL whitelist are protected from the administrative chaos and fiscal uncertainties seen in jurisdictions with weaker oversight. The Romanian crisis highlights that transparency in tax and license fee collection is essential for maintaining a fair playing field for consumers.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos holding a German license must view the Romanian situation as a cautionary tale regarding regulatory compliance. The potential €1 billion liability in Romania demonstrates the catastrophic risks of failing to maintain accurate fiscal records and licensing standards. In contrast, GGL-licensed operators in Germany operate under constant supervision, which prevents such massive discrepancies from developing. For operators active in multiple European markets, the professionalization of the ONJN means that Romania will no longer be a market where analog loopholes can be exploited. The shift toward competence-based management and automated digital tracking in Romania aligns with the high standards already enforced by the GGL in Halle, reinforcing the trend toward stricter, data-driven regulation across the EU.