BUCHAREST – Odeta Nestor, President of the Association of Remote Gambling Operators (AOJND), has provided insights into the current state of the remote gambling sector in Romania.

Asociatia Operatorilor de Jocuri de Noroc la Distanta (AOJND) represents the principal licensed remote gambling operators in Romania. “AOJND maintains ongoing dialogue with authorities to find the most optimal legislative and regulatory solutions, catering to the interests of gamblers, the industry, and the Romanian economy at large,” asserted Odeta. “In this role, our activities align with other trade associations in various industries operating legally in Romania, whether in banking, telecommunications, or HORECA.”

Regarding the draft law currently under discussion in the Chamber of Deputies, initiated by Deputy Alfred Simonis, Odeta clarified, “We have not taken any stance as it contains no provisions regarding the activities of remote gambling operators.”

Since the establishment of the National Gambling Office (ONJN) in 2013, priority has been accorded to eradicating unfair competition from unlicensed and unauthorized operators. “In our view, the black market is now at its lowest since the revolution, as there are legal controls and regulations in place,” emphasized Odeta.

Odeta added that in Romania, only local operators or those from the European Union or the European Economic Area can hold operating licenses. “Their activities are strictly monitored by the National Gambling Office, which has direct access to game servers through a dedicated platform. Moreover, operators maintain mirror and backup servers on Romanian territory, complying with existing legal provisions.”

She emphasized that all systems undergo audits by independent bodies licensed by the Romanian state, ensuring that transactions are correctly recorded and all safety and responsible gambling standards are met. “Currently, remote gambling adheres to the highest standards of transparency and integrity, with a 100% tax collection rate.”

Odeta praised the progress made in the regulatory landscape of online gambling since 2013, with Romania now being cited as a benchmark for best practices in the sector, having 30 licensed operators for remote gambling.

She pledged the association’s full cooperation to the Romanian Government to thwart the advent of illegal offshore operators and to improve public perception of the sector. “We also agree more needs to be done to protect players and to promote gambling as a form of entertainment, not a get-rich-quick scheme.”

Odeta also highlighted the industry’s initiatives in responsible gambling, preventing abusive gaming, and addiction, with AI systems and strict measures against underage access. “Remote gambling operators report all suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities and maintain a continuous collaboration with law enforcement agencies.”

In conclusion, Odeta assured authorities of the remote gambling operators’ willingness to collaborate in regulating the domain and enhancing its public perception.

To support the long-term financial stability and competitive balance of the LEC, the league is going to introduce new financial regulations – known as Sporting Financial Regulations (SFR) – for the start of the 2024 LoL Esports Season.

The LEC SFR will encourage teams to maintain the total sum of its five highest-paid player salaries below a certain threshold, with teams exceeding the threshold having to pay an excess fee (SFR Fee).

In doing so, the LEC seeks to create a financially sustainable environment for its pro players, partnered teams, and the league itself, allowing all parties to grow at a healthy and scalable pace, and protect the ecosystem from unsustainable spending practices. In addition, the framework will support the league by creating a better competitive balance and more engaging competition, further enhancing the experience for players and fans.

“In the current economic climate, we are dedicated more than ever to creating a sustainable future for our players, teams, and the LoL Esports ecosystem in EMEA as a whole. The LEC SFR, which will come into effect from the beginning of the 2024 Season, is one way in which we’re continuing to work towards our goal of long-term financial sustainability. By doing this, we aim to encourage teams to operate more sustainable businesses to provide job security for players and ensure we serve our fans for decades to come,” said Maximilian Peter Schmidt, Director of League of Legends Esports EMEA.

SFR will encourage each team to maintain the total sum of salaries (known as SFR Spend) paid to the top five highest-paid players in a team within a certain range. The range includes both an upper spending threshold (SFR Threshold) and a lower spending threshold (SFR Floor), with the lower spending threshold amounting to 50% of the SFR Threshold. Meanwhile, the SFR Threshold is calculated based on a number of considerations, including LEC player salaries, League Revenue Pool of the current and forecasted years, team financial data – such as revenue and expenses – and other market indicators. Teams that exceed the SFR Threshold will be imposed with an SFR Fee.

An exception will be made to teams if a player enters into a contract with the team either during or before the end of the 2023 LEC Season Finals. In this instance, the SFR Spend will be reduced by one-fifth of the SFR Threshold or the actual salary amount; whichever is lower.

The policy will be introduced starting from the 2024 LEC Global Contract Start Date (21 November 2023), with the first cycle running until the 2024 LEC Global Contract End Date (18 November 2024).

Betsson’s French entry is a result of a successful joint venture with a local partner, positioning the company closer to the French sports betting scene. The Betsson Group will be launching its flagship brand, Betsson, and the official launch is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Pontus Lindwall, President and CEO of Betsson AB, said, “I’m pleased that Betsson has obtained a license to offer sports betting in France, which is an important gaming market in Europe with great long-term potential for online gaming. By combining our knowledge and experience as a global gaming operator with the local expertise of our partner, we can offer an unbeatable customer experience in sports betting in France.”

Betsson’s strategic focus on geographic diversification is taking another positive step with this entry into the regulated French sports betting market. This development underscores Betsson Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences on a global scale, combining its six decades of international experience together with the proficiency and insights of a local partner.

Betsson’s sportsbook in France will be powered by Sportradar, supported by a robust Player Account Management system provided by OMEGA Systems. Moreover, the sportsbook will feature a range of innovative, user-friendly enhancements developed by Goma Development, that are designed to elevate the betting experience to new heights.

Nadir Ounissi, Partner of Betsson France SA, shared his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We have been following the development in the French market for some time and felt we could contribute positively by introducing a different product dimension and player communication. We are collaborating with experienced partners who have given us remarkable support, energy, and creativity throughout this journey. I feel that we have assembled a team of seasoned professionals that are able to position betsson.fr to succeed in this locally regulated market. Our product and content are tailored to recreational players, and we genuinely look forward to offering our betting experience to French players.”

Sabri Tekaya, Managing Director at Betsson France, added, “I am delighted that we have now reached this exciting moment after long and meticulous preparation. France is one of the largest European markets, and the Betsson Group is ambitious about engaging with all French players through its flagship brand. We have worked closely with local legal partners and the ANJ regulator to meet all requirements and ensure our operations achieve their objectives while addressing the current societal concerns related to gaming.”