Loteria Română is one of Europe’s oldest lotteries, tracing its origins back to 1906 and carrying more than a century of public trust on its shoulders.
Chief Executive Officer Ionut-Valeriu Andrei spoke with SBC News ahead of his appearance at SBC Summit Lisbon, offering a rare inside look at what running such an institution truly means.
Andrei has experienced the lottery from both sides, first as an ordinary observer and now as the person ultimately responsible for its integrity, legacy, and future direction.
“As a player, you naturally focus on the excitement of the draw, the anticipation and the possibility of winning,” Andrei said, describing the shift in perspective that comes with leadership.
“As CEO, you see the much bigger picture,” he added, noting that maintaining public trust now sits at the very centre of his professional responsibilities.
Every draw, every game, and every operational process must meet the highest standards of integrity, security, and transparency, Andrei stressed, describing these as the foundations on which any national lottery must be built.
More than 2,000 professionals work daily across Loteria Română’s retail network, operational teams, and technology divisions to ensure millions of players can enjoy games with confidence.
Andrei also highlighted the organisation’s broader societal role, noting that Loteria Română makes a significant contribution to the state budget through taxes and dividends that benefit multiple public sectors.
Under Romanian legislation, a percentage of revenues is allocated to the National Cultural Fund, helping finance cultural projects throughout the country, while partnerships with national sports federations further extend the lottery’s community impact.
Loteria Română generates around RON 1.3bn, equivalent to approximately £222m, in annual revenue, with gross profits remaining stable between RON 210m and RON 240m each year.
In 2024, the state-owned company returned RON 204m, roughly £34.9m, directly to the Romanian government, reflecting the critical financial role the lottery plays in public life.
By law, 2% of revenues flow to Romania’s National Cultural Fund Administration, amounting to around RON 30m per year directed toward art, culture, and heritage projects across the country.
Andrei described Loteria Română as “the leading operator in terms of sustainability and player protection,” with internationally recognised responsible gaming standards at the core of its operations.
Looking ahead to SBC Summit Lisbon, running from 29 September to 1 October, Andrei expressed particular interest in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the evolving role of national lotteries in a competitive entertainment landscape.
“Maintaining an active presence in these international discussions is essential,” Andrei said, emphasising that engagement with industry peers helps the organisation evolve while remaining true to its public mission.
