The Senate’s Committee for Culture, Communication, and Media, the National Gambling Office (ONJN), and the National Agency for Drug and Addiction Policies (ANPCDA) organized a roundtable to launch the public policy document titled “National Strategy for the Prevention and Treatment of Gambling Addiction.”
The event was attended by Olivia Nicoleta Vișan, Program Coordinator at the Filantropia Federation of the Romanian Patriarchate, and Archimandrite Casian Filip, Vicar of the Diocese of Maramureș and Sătmar and an advisor specialized in addiction.
The roundtable brought together ministers, parliamentarians, central and local public authorities, experts, representatives of the gambling industry, and NGOs to discuss the priorities and responsibilities assumed in combating and preventing gambling addiction in Romania.
Toward Real Community Impact
The main goal was to secure the support of all stakeholders – Parliament, Government, public authorities, gambling operators, NGOs, and experts – to effectively manage the funds collected from licensed operators and implement sustainable measures for prevention and treatment.
“I believe the cultural and educational dimension of the Strategy is essential. The Church, culture, media, and education can become powerful tools for prevention and support for young people and vulnerable groups,” said Cristian Niculescu-Țăgârlaș, Chair of the Senate’s Committee for Culture, Communication, and Media.
“I will actively support the implementation of these measures and firmly believe that through institutional cooperation, we can create a solid network of prevention and education, bringing real and positive impact to our communities.”
“ONJN manages approximately 11 million euros annually from the social responsibility tax,” stated ONJN President Vlad Cristian Soare.
“But this is no longer just about figures and collected taxes – it’s about people and communities needing support. We have a moral and institutional obligation to turn this money into concrete measures: prevention, treatment centers, self-exclusion programs, and rigorous studies that yield real results.”
The Church on the Front Line
Archimandrite Casian Filip welcomed the availability of funds and political will to help addicts, noting the importance of involving the Church in the dialogue.
He emphasized that clergy are often the first to learn of problems in the community: even before the addicted person realizes they need help, their family members often reach out to spiritual fathers for support – both spiritual and social.
Strategic Action Pillars
The newly launched policy document includes several strategic pillars:
- Establishing and supporting treatment centers with specialized infrastructure and personnel;
- Direct support for affected individuals, including the creation of a national self-exclusion registry and psychological assistance hotlines;
- Awareness and education campaigns;
- Protection of minors and vulnerable groups through prevention programs;
- Promotion of sports and cultural activities as healthy alternatives for youth and communities;
- Transparency and social responsibility in fund use, ensuring resources directly support concrete projects and effectively help communities.
Photo: Diocese of Maramureș and Sătmar
