Regulatory challenges for land-based gambling and sports betting operators as they resume business

On 11 June 2020, as part of new measures to ease restrictions put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Romanian Prime Minister Ludovic Orban announced that land-based gambling activities in the country such as lottery and sports betting that show a relatively low epidemiologic risk can be resumed on 15 June, but would not include gambling operators located in shopping malls.

These new measures were announced following a meeting of the National Committee for Emergency Situations that took place on 11 June. According to the resolution of the Committee, land-based gambling and sports betting operators bear the obligation to observe all provisions regarding the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 that will be established through the Order of the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Health. The resolution will be included in a Government Decision.

Land-based gambling and sports betting operators will have to implement new health and safety measures in order to stay compliant with the new regulations.

These measures should be carefully considered and implemented in light of the potential criminal or administrative liability for exposure or risk of exposure to COVID-19 to staff, business partners and the public. Failure to observe health and safety regulations regarding COVID-19 could lead to penalties of up to 12 years imprisonment for individuals and a criminal fine of approximately EUR 430,000 for companies.