Loteria Română CEO on leading a 119-year-old institution as a public trust mission

Ionut-Valeriu Andrei, Chief Executive Officer of Loteria Română, says the greatest shift in his perspective since taking the helm has been understanding the weight of maintaining public trust behind every draw. Speaking ahead of his appearance at SBC Summit Lisbon, Andrei described leading the state-owned operator as a generational mission that goes far beyond offering games of chance.

"As CEO, you see the much bigger picture. Now, I understand the enormous responsibility involved in maintaining public trust," he explained. "Every draw, every game and every operational process must meet the highest standards of integrity, security and transparency."

Societal contribution and financial impact

The Romanian national lottery contributes substantially to the state budget through taxes and dividends. Loteria Română generates around RON 1.3bn (£222m) in annual revenue, with 2% of that sum, approximately RON 30m per year, legally allocated to the National Cultural Fund Administration (AFCN) to support art, culture and heritage projects. Gross profits remain stable between RON 210m and 240m annually, and as a state-owned enterprise, the majority of net profits flow back to the government — in 2024, that figure stood at RON 204m (£34.9m).

Andrei highlighted that the operator also channels a percentage of revenues to Romanian sport through partnerships with national sports federations, reinforcing values of performance and fair play. He added that Loteria Română aims to set the industry benchmark for sustainability and player protection through internationally recognised responsible gaming policies.

Retail and digital as complementary channels

When asked whether online verticals are replacing traditional retail, Andrei dismissed the idea of a winner-takes-all scenario. "The future is not about choosing one channel over another — it is about giving players the freedom to move seamlessly between both," he said. Retail remains vital for players who value personal interaction and the ritual of buying a ticket in person, while digital channels attract younger audiences seeking convenience and mobile-first services.

He described retail and online as complementary parts of a broader player experience, where the challenge for modern lotteries is remaining relevant across the full spectrum of player preferences.

European challenges and regulatory pressures

Drawing on his experience as a former Executive Committee member of European Lotteries (April 2024 to September 2025), Andrei identified several pressing challenges facing the sector across Europe. Top among them is remaining relevant in a fast-evolving, competitive market where younger generations expect innovative products without compromising security and trust. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced regulatory framework to combat unlicensed offerings.

Cybersecurity and technological resilience have become strategic priorities as lotteries expand digital services. "Innovation and digital growth should always go hand in hand with measures that protect players and reinforce public confidence," Andrei noted. He argued that responsible gaming is not merely a regulatory obligation but fundamental to the industry's long-term sustainability.

Looking ahead to SBC Summit Lisbon

Andrei expressed particular interest in discussions around digital transformation, artificial intelligence, responsible gaming, and the evolving role of national lotteries at SBC Summit Lisbon, taking place from 29 September to 1 October. He described Lisbon as a fitting venue for conversations about the industry's future, given its history as a crossroads of cultures and ideas. For Loteria Română, maintaining an active international presence helps the organisation stay aligned with emerging trends while remaining faithful to its public mission.