Romania, a member of the European Union, has evolved into a regulated and attractive market for gambling operators. The country’s gambling sector underwent significant reform in the last decade, with the aim of creating a transparent, competitive, and safe environment for both operators and players.

Before 2015, the Romanian gambling landscape was seen as fragmented and non-compliant with European standards. The need for a robust legal framework was evident. The year 2015 marked a significant shift when Romania adopted the Emergency Ordinance on Gambling (GEO 77/2009), thus aligning its gambling regulations with the European Commission’s standards.

Key Gambling Regulations

• Government Emergency Ordinance 77/2009 (GEO 77/2009): This primary legislation addresses the organization and operation of games of chance.
• Government Decision 111/2016: Approves the methodological norms for the effective implementation of GEO 77/2009, often referred to as the “Secondary Legislation.”
• Government Emergency Ordinance 20/2013: Focuses on the establishment and functioning of the National Gambling Office. It also amends certain aspects of GEO 77/2009.
• Government Decision 298/2013: Specifies the organization and operational dynamics of the National Gambling Office.
• Romanian Fiscal Code (Law 227/2015): A comprehensive document covering fiscal matters, including those pertinent to gambling.
• Law 207/2015: Highlights the procedural aspects of the fiscal code.
• National Gambling Office’s Orders: These orders (47/2016, 48/2016, 93/2016, 89/2018, 179/2018, 38/2019, 400/2019, 404/2020, and 86/2021) lay down directives ranging from remote gambling operations to the technical specifications and fiscal obligations of gambling tools and platforms.
• Government Emergency Ordinance 114/2018 (GEO 114/2018): Introduces fiscal-budgetary measures and amends certain legislative documents.
• Law 129/2019: A pivotal document that addresses the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. It also offers amendments to existing laws.
• National Audiovisual Council’s Decision 614/2019: This updates the Code of Regulation of Audiovisual Content, providing clarity on content regulations.
• Government Emergency Ordinance 48/2020: This introduces specific fiscal measures.
• Government Ordinance 15/2022: A recent amendment focusing on the modification of licensing and authorization fees for gambling organizers.

Primary Regulatory Bodies

• National Gambling Office (ONJN): The ONJN is the main authority overseeing gambling activities in Romania. They are responsible for issuing licenses, monitoring compliance, and ensuring fair play.

Key Aspects of Romanian Gambling Law

• Licensing: For any gambling operator to legally function in Romania, acquiring a license from the ONJN is imperative. Licenses are categorized based on the nature of gambling – online, land-based, B2B services, etc.
• Taxes: Gambling operators are subjected to a license fee and an annual authorization fee, both dependent on the operator’s annual income.
• Player Protection: Players must be 18 years or older. Operators are mandated to promote responsible gambling and provide tools to help players control their betting.
• Advertising Restrictions: While advertising gambling is permitted, there are guidelines that operators must follow. For instance, ads shouldn’t appeal to minors or suggest that gambling can be a steady source of income.

Types of Gambling Allowed

• Land-based Casinos: These are prevalent in major cities, with Bucharest housing the majority. They offer classic casino games, slot machines, and sometimes betting services.
• Online Gambling: Online casinos, poker rooms, and sports betting sites have seen a surge in popularity. They require a specific online gambling license from the ONJN.
• Sports Betting: Both online and offline sports betting is popular in Romania. Many international operators have acquired licenses to tap into this market.
• Lotteries: The state monopoly, Loteria Română, primarily controls lotteries.
• Slot Machine Parlours: These are widespread and require a separate licensing process.

Pros and Cons of the Romanian Gambling License

Romania’s emergence as a regulated gambling market in Europe has made it an attractive destination for many operators. Like every jurisdiction, obtaining a Romanian gambling license comes with its benefits and challenges. Here’s a balanced look:

Pros:

• European Compliance: Romania’s gambling regulations are in line with European Commission’s standards, which increases its trustworthiness and reputation in the global market.
• Access to Growing Market: Romania’s regulated market is growing, giving licensed operators an opportunity to tap into an expanding customer base.
• Clarity in Regulation: The Romanian National Gambling Office (ONJN) provides clear guidelines, criteria, and processes for obtaining and maintaining a license.
• Broad Scope: Romania’s gambling license covers a range of activities, including online casinos, sports betting, poker rooms, and slot machine parlours.
• Taxation: While operators are subject to taxes, they are relatively moderate compared to some other European jurisdictions. There’s a clarity in taxation, which reduces hidden costs for operators.
• Player Trust: For players, a license from a European country that aligns with the European Commission’s guidelines increases trust in fair play, security, and transparency.

Cons:

• Regulatory Changes: The Romanian gambling landscape has witnessed several regulatory changes in the past decade. This can mean that operators must be prepared for periodic adjustments to their operations to remain compliant.
• Advertising Restrictions: Although advertising is allowed, there are stringent guidelines to follow. This can limit the marketing strategies operators can employ, especially in appealing to newer demographics.
• Player Protection Measures: Operators are required to implement extensive player protection measures, which, while being an ethical practice, can increase operational costs.
• Competitive Market: Given the growing attractiveness of the Romanian gambling market, it’s becoming increasingly competitive. New operators might find it challenging to establish a foothold.
• License Costs: Apart from the taxation, there’s a licensing fee that operators must pay, which might be on the higher side, especially for smaller entities or startups.
• Enforcement Actions: The ONJN has been known to take strict enforcement actions against operators found in breach of regulations. This requires operators to maintain a high level of diligence to ensure complete compliance.