OVER REGULATION
regulatory breaches. While these issues merit attention, they do not reflect the entire landscape. The industry must step out of its comfort zone and engage proactively with journalists and editors to encourage more balanced, accurate, and informed reporting. This means offering transparency, opening up access to internal experts and data, and showcasing meaningful case studies, such as technological innovations in harm prevention or successful community engagement initiatives. Hosting press briefings, publishing economic and social impact reports, and participating in public forums can help reshape the narrative. By framing gambling within its broader economic, cultural, and technological context, the industry can encourage the media to reflect a more complete picture, highlighting both the risks and the value it delivers when well-regulated and responsibly managed. This isn’t just about reputation management, it’s about building understanding and legitimacy in the eyes of the public, media, and policymakers alike. But that begins with introspection: the industry must first view itself through the same critical lens it expects from others, acknowledging both its challenges and its contributions. A balanced future: collaboration for sustainability Governments undeniably have the right (and duty) to regulate gambling. However, this regulation must strike a careful balance: protecting consumers while fostering innovation and preventing the migration of players to unregulated, underground markets. When regulation is predictable, centralized, and proportionate, it creates a healthy, sustainable market. Operators gain the confidence to invest in safer, more engaging products and technologies. Meanwhile, governments secure vital tax revenues and uphold public safety through effective oversight.
Rather than focusing enforcement pressure solely on licensees – the “stick” often used to ensure compliance – regulators should collaborate closely with law enforcement and other relevant authorities to direct resources where they are most needed. This approach will ensure that compliance efforts target bad actors and unlicensed operators, putting the regulatory “stick” to good use to protect consumers and preserve market integrity. Another important step is the regular reassessment of regulator-maintained blacklists. Situations in which operators are simultaneously whitelisted in reputable jurisdictions and blacklisted elsewhere highlight inconsistencies that may undermine regulatory credibility and market integrity. Introducing a structured process of dialogue and review – taking into account remedial measures undertaken by operators, the relevance and status of self-exclusion periods, and the principles of proportionality and mutual recognition underpinning EU law – would promote greater coherence and fairness in enforcement practices. Turning this page can open a new stream of government revenue, foster healthy competition, and increase the level of entertainment available to consumers within a safe and regulated environment. Furthermore, embracing a spirit of constructive dialogue and ongoing review helps to keep regulations relevant and adaptable in a fast-evolving industry. It signals to operators that regulators are partners rather than adversaries, encouraging compliance through cooperation rather than confrontation. Such openness also drives innovation in player protection, fair marketing, and product quality, creating a positive cycle where consumer trust, market vitality, and regulatory goals strengthen one another, ultimately ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the gambling industry. Ultimately, winning hearts and minds goes far beyond public relations. It is the cornerstone for building a vibrant, responsible gambling sector – one that benefits players, businesses, regulators, and society as a whole.
COSMINA SIMION Managing Partner, WH Simion and Partners, Romania For information contact
+4031 420 6225 cosmina.simion@ whsimionpartners.ro
ALINA TACE Partner, WH Simion and Partners, Romania
IMGL MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2025
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