The National Office for Gambling (ONJN) has uncovered a massive illegal operation involving a licensed affiliate that was secretly funneling local players to illicit offshore platforms.
In a significant escalation, the ONJN has launched a criminal investigation and requested the full assistance of the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism to dismantle the fraudulent network.
The Covert Redirection Mechanism
The ONJN revealed that the affiliate used a sophisticated “covert frontend interface” to bypass Romanian laws. By reading visitors’ IP addresses, the site served tailored links directly to unlicensed operators, such as NV Casino. These destination sites were completely localized for Romania, allowing citizens to register and deposit funds on unregulated platforms with ease.
ONJN President Vlad Cristian Soare issued a forceful public statement:
“[The office aims] to sustain a responsible, lawful, and open gaming environment for all citizens… [this mechanism is] a direct threat to the public interest.”
Market Reform and Youth Protection
This discovery comes amid a broader push for player safety in Romania. The government recently approved legislation raising the legal gambling age to 21 and is currently debating strict limits on gambling advertisements between 6 AM and midnight.
President Soare, who took over an agency plagued by uncollected tax revenue and internal shortcomings, is using this investigation to rebuild public trust. He has vowed to work alongside law enforcement to hold guilty parties
