TLDR Romania’s gambling regulator ONJN is distributing €5 million in non-refundable grants to fight compulsive gambling under its “Conscious and Free” program The bulk of the funding, €3.6 million, goes toward prevention, education, counseling, treatment, and responsible gambling efforts Another €1.2 million is earmarked for building or expanding specialized treatment facilities for problem gamblers Projects must be submitted by May 11, with funded initiatives expected to launch on August 3 and run through December 2026 This marks the first time ONJN has provided public funding for problem gambling programs in its history
Romania is stepping up its efforts to address problem gambling with a new €5 million grant program run by its national gaming regulator, ONJN.
The funding falls under the “Conscious and Free” national public interest project, which ONJN approved in December 2025. The program was formally announced through a statement published in Romania’s Official Gazette.
The grants will be distributed as non-reimbursable funding to non-profit organizations. ONJN is drawing the money directly from its 2026 operating budget.
The regulator has split the funding into three components. The largest share, €3.6 million, will cover a wide range of services including prevention and education campaigns, counseling and treatment programs, research, digitalization efforts, protection of minors, and responsible gambling promotion.
A second allocation of €1.2 million is designated for building or expanding specialized treatment centers for compulsive gamblers. That portion of the budget is restricted to public agencies.
Application Timeline and Review Process
The remaining €200,000 will fund research and impact studies designed to shape future public policy and intervention strategies.
Organizations looking to apply must submit their projects by May 11. ONJN will publish eligibility assessments on May 15, and applicants will have a short window from May 18 to May 20 to challenge any results.
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