The need for public affairs services for gambling companies in Romania: From institutional dialog to tax compliance 2r2qp
Codrin Scutaru – CEO Public Affairs Solutions 405p2r
The gambling industry in Romania has experienced significant growth in recent years, becoming an important part of the national economy. In this context, the importance of public affairs services for gambling companies is crucial to ensure a correct institutional dialog between the industry and policy makers, as well as to maintain compliance with strict regulations. 3m4un
These services are needed not only to work with the National Gambling Office (ONJN), but also to establish constructive relations with all relevant political parties and ministries.
A regulated framework and connection to ANAF 5l1w1
One of the peculiarities of the gambling market in Romania is the fact that slot machines are directly connected to the National Agency for Fiscal istration (ANAF), which makes tax evasion in this industry almost impossible. According to ONJN data, in 2023 there were more than 70,000 machines connected to ANAF in Romania, thus contributing to better monitoring of transactions and revenues generated by this activity. This measure led to increased transparency and the collection of significant amounts for the state budget.
photo source: Freepick.com
The importance of institutional dialog and public-private partnerships 3j2g5f
In a regulated environment, a continuous dialog between the gambling industry and policy makers is essential to ensure a healthy and fair market. According to a report by the European Gambling Studies Association (EGBA), countries with an effective dialog between governments and the industry have seen a reduction in illegal activities and an increase in tax revenues.
Public affairs plays an important role in facilitating this dialog, ing gambling companies in communicating their needs with the ONJN, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy and other institutions with a direct impact on industry regulation. These relationships can help to modernize legislation and develop policies that both the protection of players and the sustainable development of the industry.
Relevant statistics and economic impact 6v6a2w
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (NIS), the gambling industry contributed around €1.5 billion to the state budget in 2023 through taxes and duties, an increase of 10% on the previous year. Also during the same period, the number of employees in the gambling industry exceeded 30,000 people, most of them working in casinos and gaming halls, thus contributing to employment and economic growth.
Another report issued by PwC estimates that the global online gambling market will reach 92.9 billion dollars by 2025. These figures clearly show that Romania needs to remain competitive in this sector and public affairs services are becoming essential to represent the interests of local companies on the international stage.
Public affairs and managing legislative challenges 471z4h
In Romania, frequent legislative changes and the complexity of the rules on gambling advertising and the taxation of operators can pose major challenges for companies in the sector. For example, recent discussions on banning gambling ments in certain time slots or geographical areas can significantly influence business models.
Public affairs services help companies prepare for these changes and participate in public consultation processes. By actively engaging in dialogues with policy-makers, companies can influence regulation in a way that benefits the industry as a whole, while ensuring that legislation complies with international standards and best practice.
Public Affairs
International examples: lessons for Romania 443v3v
Internationally, countries such as the United Kingdom and Malta have succeeded in developing effectively regulated gambling industries through a constant institutional dialog between authorities and operators. In the UK, the Gambling Commission works closely with various stakeholders, including parliament and lobby groups, to ensure a competitive but safe environment for players.
These models can serve as a source of inspiration for Romania, where the development of a regulated and transparent market requires a strong partnership between the private and public sectors.
Conclusion 542t2p
As the gambling industry in Romania continues to grow, public affairs services will become increasingly important. By ensuring a fair and collaborative institutional dialog between companies and authorities, not only the ONJN but also political parties and relevant ministries, the industry can contribute to economic growth and the development of a robust legislative framework.
By maintaining a high level of tax compliance, in particular by connecting gaming machines to the ANAF, Romania can become an example of best practice at European level. In this way, gambling companies can benefit from a stable and regulated environment while protecting consumer interests and contributing to the national budget.
