Romania’s gambling market generated almost €1 billion in tax revenue in 2025 and is projected to remain one of Eastern Europe’s largest markets. However, the country has entered a new regulatory phase in 2026, triggered by Government Emergency Ordinance 7/2026 (GEO 7/2026). This ordinance amends the primary gambling law (GEO 77/2009) and—along with ONJN reforms—fundamentally alters compliance for land‑based and online operators. It introduces a local authorization layer, enhances responsible‑gaming oversight and coincides with the first renewal cycle of 10‑year B2B licenses originally issued in 2016. The following analysis summarizes the key changes, compliance obligations and market considerations.

Key Provisions of GEO 7/2026: Local Council Veto Power

Provision	Summary / Examples
Local council decision power	Municipal councils must formally decide whether gambling is allowed in their territory. If a council allows it, operators need a prior annual local operating authorisation in addition to their national ONJN licence. Councils may define zones where gambling is permitted and may impose local fees per square metre of premises.
Implementation timeline	Councils permitting gambling must adopt implementing regulations within 60 days of the ordinance entering into force (late April 2026). Operators must monitor each locality’s regulatory agenda and prepare dossiers accordingly.
Local fees & documentary requirements	Draft regulations in Iași propose a local tax of RON 500 per m² per year for 2026, payable within 30 days of authorisation. The dossier must include copies of the ONJN licence, proof of right to use the premises, fire safety documentation and evidence of no outstanding tax debts.
Exceptions for lotteries/sports betting	Some municipalities propose partial bans with exceptions for state‑run lottery and sports betting. For example, Iași’s draft bans all gambling but allows traditional lottery and sports betting within a regulated framework. Slot machines are prohibited within these premises.
Municipal bans and first movers	Slatina’s council adopted a decision prohibiting gambling and sports betting, except for state lottery games; no new local authorisations will be granted once existing ONJN exploitation licences expire. Draft bans have been published in Iași, Buzău, Focșani and others. Constanța intends not to permit slot‑machine venues.
Pre‑activity notice	Regardless of local authorisation, operators must notify local authorities five days in advance before commencing operations and submit copies of their ONJN licence and authorisation.
Impact	Over 200 municipalities may consider bans. Local councils now hold decisive veto power, meaning national licences alone are insufficient.

First‑Wave Local Implementation Examples (Early 2026)

• Iași: Draft council decision (3 March 2026) proposes a city‑wide ban except for lottery and sports betting; sets RON 500/m² local tax; requires extensive documentation; slot machines banned within lottery/sports‑betting locations.
• Slatina: Council decision (13 March 2026) bans gambling and sports betting except state lottery; existing ONJN authorisations continue until expiry.
• Buzău and Focșani: Draft decisions (11 March and 10 March 2026) propose full bans with similar exceptions; Focșani notes ~459 gambling machines currently operating.
• Constanța: Public statements indicate intention to prohibit slot‑machine venues.
• Bucharest (District 3): The district council requested a general ban; the final decision is pending.

National Reforms & ONJN Modernization

GEO 7/2026 is part of a broader regulatory overhaul aimed at addressing fiscal irregularities and social harms:

• ONJN audit and tax gap: A 2025 audit revealed RON 3.3–3.6 billion in uncollected authorisation fees and taxes. ONJN pledged to enhance oversight through increased access to operators’ servers and automated monitoring.
• Self‑exclusion & player protection: ONJN is developing a unified self‑exclusion register and plans to automate bonus and transaction monitoring. Proposed national reforms include raising the gambling age from 18 to 21 and limiting advertising to the 6 a.m.–midnight window.
• Advertising restrictions: The Audiovisual Code effective Oct 2025 prohibits broadcasting gambling ads featuring public figures and applies to TV, radio, on‑demand platforms and video‑sharing services; fines range from RON 5 000–100 000.
• Responsible gaming levy: B2C operators must contribute to a social responsibility fund; online operators pay 30 % of their gaming revenue (GGR) with a minimum of €480 000 annually. B2B providers pay an annual licence tax of €20 000 plus €15 000 for responsible gaming.
• Digital licencing platform: ONJN is developing an end‑to‑end digital platform for licence applications, renewals and communications.

B2B (Class II) Licence Renewal Cycle (2026)

Evolution of B2B Regulations

Year / Milestone	Impact on B2B Providers
2016	Introduction of Class II licences for B2B suppliers; few ongoing compliance obligations.
2019	Imposition of social responsibility contribution (initially €1 000).
2022	Annual licence fee raised from €6 000 to €9 500; B2B operators become subject to the significant‑changes notification regime (5 days offline, 48 hours online).
2023	Annual fee increased to €20 000 and responsible‑gaming contribution to €15 000. Guarantee requirements for auditors and certifying bodies were removed.
2024	B2B operators prohibited from providing services to unlicensed B2C operators and required to implement technical measures to block access by Romanian players. They became frontline enforcers against the black market, with obligations to restrict access and notify unlicensed partners.
2025	ONJN Order 33/2025 clarified what constitutes “significant changes” and increased enforcement actions. Further restrictions on service provision were introduced, prohibiting B2B suppliers from serving domains targeting Romanian players or accepting deposits in RON without authorisation.

2026 Renewal Cycle

• First renewal of 10‑year licences: Class II licences granted in 2016 are expiring. WH Partners note that 2026 is the first renewal cycle, closing the first chapter of Romania’s regulated online market. Renewals will allow ONJN to assess the framework’s long‑term performance and adjust regulations.
• Attractiveness vs. compliance: Despite higher fees, Romania remains attractive for B2B operators because the core licencing framework is accessible—there are no additional financial requirements beyond the annual fee, and Romanian licences facilitate recognition in other EU jurisdictions.
• Critical evaluation: Renewals will test whether Romania can maintain a balance between openness and oversight. Operators must demonstrate compliance with the enhanced technical and reporting obligations introduced since 2024. Failure to notify significant changes within prescribed timeframes or providing services to unlicensed B2C entities could jeopardise renewal.

Taxation & Cost Structure

Operator category	Key taxes and fees
B2B (Class II)	Application processing fee ≈ €10 500; annual licence tax €20 000; annual responsible‑gaming contribution €15 000. Licences are valid for 10 years and may be renewed indefinitely.
B2C / Online operators	Must pay 30 % of GGR (minimum €480 000/year) in authorisation tax; annual licence fee €300 000; guarantee funds of €2–5 million and a 2 % participation fee tax.
Land‑based operators	Flat licence fees (e.g., €25 000–€200 000 depending on the number/type of devices), authorisation taxes based on GGR or number of machines, and social‑responsibility contributions.
Local fees	Municipalities can set per‑square‑metre fees (e.g., Iași proposes RON 500/m²/year). These fees are in addition to national taxes and may vary by locality.

Risk Assessment

Risks

• Regulatory fragmentation and uncertainty – With more than 200 municipalities empowered to ban or restrict gambling, operators face a patchwork of local rules and unpredictable decisions. Early bans in Slatina, Iași and other cities illustrate the speed at which councils can act. Delays or absence of local implementing regulations by late April 2026 could create a legal vacuum.
• Increased compliance costs – Operators must obtain a national licence, an annual local authorisation, and pay municipal fees (e.g., RON 500/m²). Preparing individual dossiers for each locality adds administrative burdens.
• Operational disruptions – City‑wide bans mean existing venues may operate only until current ONJN exploitation licences expire. This threatens revenue streams and requires footprint rationalisation.
• Enhanced monitoring and enforcement – ONJN’s reforms involve greater access to operator servers and real‑time transaction monitoring. B2B providers must implement technical measures to block unlicensed partners and submit frequent notifications.
• Political and social pressures – Public health arguments and political campaigns against gambling create reputational risks. The push to raise the gambling age to 21 and cap losses at 10 % of declared income may further restrict player participation.
• Potential grey‑market growth – Rapid bans could push customers to unlicensed operators, undermining regulated operators’ revenues and complicating enforcement.

Opportunities & ROI Considerations

• Large and growing market – The Romanian market generated US$3.55 billion in 2025 revenue and is forecast to grow modestly. Demand for online betting and casino products remains strong.
• Structured, EU‑recognised framework – Romania’s B2B licences enjoy recognition in other EU jurisdictions, enabling cross‑border operations. The licensing framework remains accessible despite higher fees.
• Digital transformation – ONJN’s digital licensing platform and self‑exclusion system could streamline compliance and improve player protection, potentially increasing consumer trust.
• First‑mover advantage – Operators that proactively adapt to local authorisation requirements may secure favourable positions in municipalities that permit gambling. Early engagement with councils could influence zoning and fee structures.

Overall Risk Level

Medium–High. The regulatory overhaul introduces significant uncertainty for land‑based operators due to local council veto powers, variable fees and rapid bans. Online and B2B operators face tighter compliance but maintain access to a large market. The first 10‑year licence renewal cycle adds scrutiny but also affirms Romania’s commitment to a stable, EU‑aligned framework. Success in this environment requires robust compliance infrastructure and proactive local engagement.

Recommended Next Steps

1. Map local landscapes. Create a matrix of municipalities where operations exist or are planned. Monitor each council’s agenda and decisions, noting whether gambling will be permitted and what fees or zones apply. Engage local legal counsel to stay abreast of evolving regulations.
2. Prepare local authorisation dossiers early. Assemble documentation (ONJN licence, exploitation authorisation, premises title, fire safety certifications, tax clearance certificates) tailored to each locality’s requirements. Budget for local fees such as the proposed RON 500/m² tax in Iași.
3. Review footprint and exit strategies. Where bans are imminent (e.g., Slatina, Iași, Buzău, Focșani), evaluate whether to continue operating until licences expire or to divest/relocate. Consider focusing on online operations or municipal zones still permitting gambling.
4. Enhance compliance systems. For B2B providers, ensure technical measures are in place to block access from unlicensed B2C operators and comply with significant‑changes notification obligations. Strengthen reporting and monitor GGR to meet tax obligations.
5. Plan for licence renewals. Review 2016‑issued Class II licences for expiry dates and ensure full compliance ahead of renewal applications. Address any past non‑compliance (e.g., failure to notify changes) to avoid renewal risks.
6. Engage stakeholders. Participate in consultations on draft local regulations and national reforms. Work with industry associations to advocate for balanced policies that mitigate social harms without driving players to the black market.
7. Re‑evaluate ROI models. Incorporate local fees, potential closures and compliance costs into financial projections. Consider the potential revenue uplift from improved player protection and trust due to ONJN reforms.
8. Monitor future reforms. Track parliamentary debates on raising the gambling age, imposing loss caps and further advertising restrictions. These could materially affect demand and marketing strategies.

By adopting a proactive compliance strategy and engaging with local authorities, operators can navigate the new patchwork of local regimes while maintaining access to Romania’s significant gambling market.