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Social aspects: combating ludomania
Key facts (short)
Regulator: Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc (ONJN).
RG (Responsible Gaming) Focus: Early Risk Detection, Self-Management Tools, Staff Training, Advertising Restrictions, and Juvenile Protection.
Players are available: deposit and time limits, "timeouts," long-term self-exclusion (autoexcludere), consultations and referrals to specialized specialists.
Operators are required to: monitor behavior, inform about risks, store and analyze incident data, have escalation plans and trained front and back office personnel.
Why it matters to society
Ludomania (gaming disorder) affects not only the player himself, but also his loved ones, labor relations, financial stability, health and safety. For the state, this is a matter of public health and economics: an increase in debt load, a decrease in productivity, and a burden on social services. Romania responds to challenges with a combination of legal regulation, prevention and medical care.
Legal and institutional framework
ONJN sets the rules of the market, issues licenses and monitors compliance with the standards of responsible play.
Operators' licenses contain RG requirements: mandatory risk notifications, access to self-control tools, processing self-exclusion requests, age verification protocols, reporting and audit.
The regulator encourages the creation of national mechanisms for auto-exclusion and interdepartmental interaction with medical and social services.
Restrictions on advertising (time, sites, context), requirements for disclaimers and a ban on targeting minors/vulnerable groups have been introduced.
Player Protection Tools
1) Limits and "timeouts"
Deposit/expense limits (daily, weekly, monthly).
Session time limits and soft "nooji": reminders about the duration of the game, pop-ups with total expenses.
"Time-out" (cool-off) for 24 hours - 30 days: a temporary pause with the inability to enter and replenish.
2) Autoexcludere
Long-term blocking of access for a selected period (usually 6-12 months or more).
Application is submitted online/offline; the operator must immediately perform the blocking and extend it to all its channels.
Information about self-exclusion should be easily accessible: in the footer of the site, in your personal account and in offline rooms.
3) Technical and UX mechanics
Realistic RTP disclaimers, no "illusion of control."
Hiding "near wins" and visual patterns that enhance compulsive behavior.
One-click self-control panel: history of deposits, losses/wins, limit settings.
Advertising, sponsorship, content
No language promising "easy money" is allowed; a responsible tone and clear warnings are required.
For sports and influencers: sponsorship restrictions, youth-focused ban on integration.
The game cannot be positioned as a way to solve financial problems or "anti-stress therapy."
Online and offline: differences in approaches
Online operators apply behavioral analytics: abnormal deposits, night activity, withdrawal cancellations, chasing, frequent limit shifts.
Offline halls enhance identification at the entrance, video surveillance and staff training: recognition of triggers (hostility, confusion, long uninterrupted sessions), quiet escalation and the offer of a "break."
Role of Operators: Processes and Team
1. RG policy at board level: KPI in management bonuses.
2. Personnel training at least once every 6-12 months; exam and admission to shifts.
3. Play-risk scoring: behavioral model, thresholds, "yellow" and "red" scenarios, end-to-end fixation in the ticket system.
4. Communication with the player: escalation scripts, pause suggestions, links to help, "chilled" interfaces without aggressive banners.
5. Audit and reporting: independent verification of RG controls, test purchases (mystery shopper), incident logs.
Prevention and public health
Educational campaigns in schools/universities: financial literacy, statistics of winnings and risks, media hygiene.
Working with families: recognizing early signs (secrecy, absences from work, debts, microloans, cancellation of plans).
NGOs and hotlines: consultations, primary screening, group therapy, referrals to psychotherapists and addiction specialists.
Research and surveys: regular national reports on the prevalence of problem gambling, the impact of advertising, new digital patterns.
Data and metrics (which is important to measure)
Share of players with activated limits and "timeouts."
Number of self-exclusions and recurrences (relapse).
Average support response time to red flags.
Frequency of lead and "dogon" cancellations after major losses.
Hotline load and median time to consultation.
Success of redirects to specialists (reached/did not reach, completed the course).
Vulnerable groups and targeted assistance
Young people and beginners without experience and financial cushion.
People with anxiety/depression, addiction history.
Employees with irregular schedules (night shifts), freelancers.
Players who have experienced financial shocks (debts, layoffs).
Approach: early screening, priority consultations, strict default limits, frequent "reality check" notifications.
Recommendations for 2025-2030
1. Unified national data center RG (with the participation of ONJN, operators and NGOs) for anonymous analytics and better calibration of risk models.
2. Mandatory "default limits" for new accounts (can be increased only after "cooling" and KYC checks).
3. UX design standards: banning "almost wins," limiting aggressive animations and push notifications, transparent session reports.
4. RG personnel certification with a single exam and registry.
5. Discreet advertising with a focus on informing and controlling exposure, expanding restrictions in the digital environment.
6. Support for access to therapy: co-financing consultations, integration with the insurance medicine system, remote programs and CBT applications.
7. Point campaigns for risk groups and young players, including through schools, universities and employers.
Memo to player and family (practically)
Signs of a problem: a game of "debt," secrecy, irritability, cancellation of conclusions, constant thoughts about the game, attempts to "recoup."
What the player should do:- Turn on limits and timeout right away.
- Consider long-term self-exclusion.
- Keep a diary of expenses and put a "reality check" - reminders.
- See an addiction counselor/therapist.
- Speak calmly and without accusation; capture facts, not emotions.
- Offer to jointly set up financial restrictions and seek advice.
- Explore local help resources and support groups.
Romania is building a multi-level system to combat ludomania: regulatory requirements + self-control tools + educational programs + medical care. The key to success is the joint work of ONJN, operators, medicine, NGOs and the players themselves, as well as honest product design without manipulation. The earlier the risk is identified and "protective barriers" are included, the higher the chance of preserving people's health and the sustainability of the industry.