Romania is about to change the rules of the game—literally.

A bold new legislative proposal aims to radically reshape the country’s gambling landscape by concentrating all casino-style activities exclusively within national tourist resorts.

This strategic shift promises to protect vulnerable communities while unlocking massive potential for tourism, infrastructure, and foreign investment.

Learn how this reform could impact operators, citizens, and the entire industry—and what it means for Romania’s future as a European gambling hub.

Key Points:

• Restricted Access: Slot machines, casinos, and poker clubs will be allowed only in national tourist resorts.
• Player Protection: The reform targets the protection of economically vulnerable citizens by limiting local access.
• Gradual Implementation: Current licenses will remain valid until expiry, but new ones must comply with the new geographic limits.

Romania’s Gambling Revolution: Casinos and Slots Could Soon Be Limited to Tourist Resorts Only

A new legislative proposal submitted to the Romanian Senate aims to fundamentally reform the way gambling is organized and regulated in the country. The core idea? To strategically concentrate all gambling operations—including casinos, slot machines, and poker clubs—within designated national tourist resorts.

According to the explanatory note attached to the proposal, Romania’s current gambling environment suffers from an excessive and unregulated spread of operations. Slot machines and casinos are found even in residential neighborhoods, exposing low-income citizens to unnecessary financial risks.

The proposed reform, which targets activities regulated under GEO 77/2009, would permit operations only within the 56 national tourist resorts already listed in Annex 5 of HG 852/2008.

A Social & Economic Realignment

The primary objective is clear: to create natural economic and geographical barriers to gambling access, particularly for those with limited financial resources. Instead of banning gambling outright, the law aims to place it in controlled environments—luxury resorts and tourism zones—where access requires effort, cost, and travel.

This will help reduce compulsive gambling, limit impulsive access, and align the gambling industry with Romania’s tourism development strategy.

A Win for Tourism and Public Health

The initiative positions tourist resorts as ideal hosts for gambling activities. These locations are already equipped with professional staff, surveillance infrastructure, and tourism facilities that can ensure player protection and compliance.

Moreover, the proposal includes an expansion to allow gambling aboard pleasure vessels, potentially boosting nautical tourism and diversifying entertainment options.

Lawmakers backing the bill emphasize the synergy between tourism and gambling—and aim to capitalize on Romania’s existing tourism assets to develop integrated resort experiences akin to those seen in major international markets like Singapore or Macau.

Gradual Implementation and Transitional Provisions

For existing operators, there’s no need to panic—yet. The proposal allows for a gradual transition. Current licenses remain valid until expiration. However, any new license requests must align with the new geographic restrictions once the law comes into force.

Next Steps: Not Law Yet

It’s important to note: this is still a proposal. For it to become law, it must be approved by the Romanian Parliament, signed by the President, and published in the Official Gazette.

Romania is at a crossroads in its approach to gambling regulation. This proposed law aims to balance economic growth with social responsibility by concentrating casinos and slot machines in national tourist areas. The move could stimulate foreign investment, foster innovation, and offer much-needed protection to vulnerable populations. But its success will depend on careful implementation and industry cooperation.

Operators, regulators, and tourism stakeholders alike should keep a close eye on this reform—it could redefine the future of Romanian gambling.

Tags: gambling legislation, Romanian tourism, casino law, gambling reform, slot machines, public policy