Romania Slot Machine License
Class 1 – Complete Guide
Everything an operator needs to license and run slot machines in Romania under the ONJN Class 1 (B2C) framework — the per-machine authorization fees after the 2023–2025 reforms, device and location minimums, the mandatory ONJN monitoring connection, documents, and the full timeline from company to first spin.
€500
Per machine / year (2025)
€500
Vice tax / machine / yr
€1M
Land-based guarantee
75
Min. devices / operator
20 / 12
Min. per room (BUC / other)
10 yrs
Licence validity
Romania Slot Machine License – Key Facts
| License Type | Class 1 (B2C) |
| Issuing Authority | ONJN (Romania) |
| Governing Law | GEO 77/2009, GD 111/2016, GEO 82/2023, Law 107/2024, Law 141/2025 |
| Slot machine types | Unlimited-stake slot machines; video lottery terminals (VLT). |
| Min. devices | 75 |
| Min. devices per room | 20 (Bucharest) / 12 (other localities); |
| Min. devices per room | ~€500 / machine / year + €500 vice tax / machine / year |
| Land-based guarantee | €1,000,000 |
| Centralized system | Mandatory real-time monitoring |
| Eligible Applicants | Romanian companies or EU/EEA/Swiss entities with permanent establishment |
What Is the Romania Slot Machine Licence?
A Romania slot machine license is the ONJN permission to operate slot machines commercially — and it lives inside the Class 1 (B2C) license, not as a separate class of its own. In Romanian law, license class describes the business, not the game: a Class 1 license is what any operator holds to offer games directly to players, and slot machines are one of the activities it can be authorized for. The license grants the right to operate; the annual authorization is the activity-specific permit, and for slots it is priced per machine.
Slot machines fall under Romania’s traditional (land-based) games category. Video slots offered online to Romanian players sit under the same Class 1 licence but run through the online authorisation and the operator’s certified platform. This page covers the land-based slot-machine route: halls, betting-location terminals and VLT.
The economics changed sharply between 2023 and 2025. Romania staged up the annual per-machine fee, imposed a flat €1,000,000 guarantee on land-based operators, removed the limited-risk device category from primary legislation, and moved player self-exclusion to a central ONJN registry. If your slot-machine cost model predates 2025, it is out of date.
LICENSE SUMMARY
| License Class | Class 1 (B2C) |
| Regulator | ONJN Romania |
| Primary Law | GEO 77/2009 |
| License Duration | Up to 10 years |
| Application Fee | €14,000 |
| Annual Total | €800,000+ /yr |
| GGR Tax | 30% min €480k |
| Typical Timeline | 3 – 4 months |
Class 1 vs Class 2 — which do slot machines need?
If you operate the slot machines for players, you need a Class 1 (B2C) license with a slot-machine authorization. If you manufacture, distribute, service or supply the machines and games, you need a Class 2 (B2B) license. Operators may only place machines and buy maintenance from Class 2-licensed suppliers.
We can help you incorporate and obtain the Class 1 (B2C) Romania Gaming License
Slot Machine Types & Operating Conditions
Any entity offering games of chance directly to players located in Romania must hold a valid Class 1 license and the corresponding annual authorization — regardless of where the operator’s group is headquartered.
Unlimited-stake slots
Electronic slot machines with unlimited stakes and winnings — the core commercial category for licensed halls.
Video lottery (VLT)
Video lottery terminals, treated as a traditional game with their own authorization profile and a special VLT levy.
Limited-risk devices — removed
The “limited-risk winnings” device category was removed from primary gambling legislation. Confirm current status before deploying.
Key operating conditions
| Minimum fleet | At least 75 electronic gaming devices operable by the same operator, including stations or terminals in a single entity. |
| Per-location minimums | Minimum 20 machines per games room in Bucharest; 12 in other localities. Maximum 5 machines in authorized betting locations. |
| Jackpot systems | At least 50 interconnected machines for a jackpot system operated across two or more locations. |
| Premises rules | Where slots are the main activity, only bar/restaurant activities are permitted alongside; separate delimitation is required where categories are mixed. |
| Centralized monitoring | Machines must connect via a standardized protocol to a centralized computer system giving ONJN real-time access to the operator’s database. |
| Locality restriction | Slot-machine venues are barred from small localities, and a 2025 proposal would further restrict them to touristic resorts. |
Regulatory and Legislative Framework
The legislation a slot-machine operator must satisfy, and why each piece matters.
| Legislation | Relevance to slot-machine operators |
|---|---|
| GEO no. 77/2009 (primary gambling law, as amended) | Establishes the license classes (1–3) and ONJN’s authority, defines slot machines within traditional games, and sets device minimums, license and per-machine authorization values. |
| GD no. 111/2016 (methodological norms) | Technical, financial and operational rulebook — the practical audit checklist ONJN applies to slot applications and premises. |
| GEO 82/2023 + Law 107/2024 (establishment & compliance reform) | Establishment and compliance reform: permanent-establishment requirement, expanded blacklisting, and the €1,000,000 land-based guarantee regime. |
| Law 141/2025 (fiscal reform, in force 1 Aug 2025) | Fiscal reform. Primarily raised the online GGR tax to 30% (min €480,000), but also revised player-winnings withholding that slot venues apply at payout. |
| ONJN President’s Orders (incl. Order 79/2025 + amendments) | Secondary rules on forms, equipment movement reporting and the centralised self-exclusion registry that operators must consult. |
| Law no. 129/2019 (AML/CFT — AMLD V implementation) | Requires AML risk assessments, an appointed AML officer, customer due diligence and suspicious-transaction reporting to ONPCSB. |
| GDPR (Reg. 2016/679) (directly applicable EU law) | Governs processing of player and staff data; a compliant privacy framework is part of the file. |
| Fiscal Code (Law 227/2015) | Establishes corporate tax (16%), VAT (21%), and withholding tax rules applicable to licensed B2B providers operating in or supplying to the Romanian market. |
ONJN continuously updates its licensing criteria through published decisions and circulars. Keeping documentation aligned with the latest guidance is essential for uninterrupted compliance and successful renewal.
Romania Slot Machine Licence — Fees & Costs (2026)
Slot machine economics are driven by fleet size, not turnover: the per-machine authorization and vice tax scale with every machine you run. Figures are indicative and subject to ONJN confirmation at the time of application.
€500 + €9,500
Application & Issuance Fee
Documentation analysis fee at submission (non-refundable) plus the one-time license issuance fee. Confirm current land-based tariffs with ONJN — issuance has been aligning toward €10,500.
Paid at Submission / Issuance
~€500 / machine
Annual Per-Machine Fee
Staged annual slot-machine fee: €100 (2023) → €300 (2024) → €500 (2025) per machine. A further per-machine increase was announced in the 2025 package — confirm the current figure.
Annual – Per Machine
€1,000 / machine
Vice Tax (Slots & VLT)
€500 per authorized machine per year, payable with the authorization fee — owed whether or not the machine is actually in operation.
Annual – Per Machine
€1,000,000
Financial Guarantee
Mandatory guarantee for all land-based operators except casinos since January 2025, regardless of business volume — committed, not spent.
Balance-Sheet Commitment
Share capital
Minimum Capital
Statutory minimum share capital for slot operations (historically 30,000 RON) plus proof of paid-up capital. Confirm the current figure against the consolidated law.
At Incorporation
€500 / machine
RG Contribution & Compliance
Annual responsible-gambling contribution for land-based operators, plus AML tooling, staff training, certification renewals and audit preparation.
Annual – Ongoing
HOW TO BUDGET IT
Fleet × (~€1,000 + €500) per machine / year
Your headline annual cost is the per-machine authorisation plus the vice tax multiplied across your fleet, on top of the €1,000,000 guarantee and fixed administrative fees. A 100-machine operation therefore carries roughly €100,000/year in per-machine charges alone — model your fleet before committing.
VLT operators: video lottery carries its own authorization profile and a special levy on VLT income in addition to the per-station charges. Ask us for a VLT-specific cost model.
From Company to First Spin: The Licensing Process
The regulator’s decision is the fast part; the file and the equipment certification set the schedule.
1
1-2 WEEKS
Incorporation
Incorporate the Romanian SRL/SA or register the permanent establishment of the EU/EEA/Swiss entity, and deposit minimum capital.
2
4-8 WEEKS
Dossier Assembly
Corporate, KYC/UBO and financial documentation, equipment certifications from ONJN-recognized labs, premises documents, and Class 2 supplier contracts.
3
€500 ANALYSIS FEE
Submission to ONJN
We file the complete dossier and act as your representative. The Supervisory Committee reviews complete files at its sessions.
4
ON-SITE INSPECTION
Premises inspection
Slot halls require a prior on-site inspection by ONJN and police representatives before approval — a step online operators do not face.
5
~30 DAYS
Review & clarifications
ONJN verifies records and may request supplements. Fast, precise responses keep you in the current cycle.
6
1ST of FOLLOWING MONTH
Issuance & go-live
The licence takes effect on the first day of the month after approval, on payment of the fee. Machines connect to ONJN monitoring before operating.
Requirements Checklist
A complete and compliant documentation package is the single most important factor in obtaining the license efficiently. ONJN requires every applicant to demonstrate corporate transparency, financial stability, technical readiness and regulatory compliance.
1. Corporate Establishment
These documents show that your company is legally established and properly structured:
- Certificate of incorporation / registration extract (Romania, or PE of an EU/EEA/Swiss entity)
- Articles of association (current version)
- Shareholder register with ownership % and UBO chain
- Director register; corporate structure chart
- Company resolution authorising the application
If your company is incorporated outside Romania, all documents must be officially translated into Romanian by a certified translator and apostilled where required.
2. KYC & Background Checks
- ID/passport for shareholders (≥5% under the slot rules) and directors
- Police clearance / criminal record for representatives and administrators
- Proof of address; short CV for key personnel
- Affidavit of no conflicts and no event-related betting links
ONJN scrutinizes the integrity and professional background of all individuals with material influence over the company. Any prior gaming-related sanctions or criminal convictions are disqualifying.
3. Financial Soundness
To prove financial stability, ONJN usually requests:
- Financial statements or opening balance
- Proof of paid-up capital at the statutory minimum
- Fiscal good-standing certificate (no debts to the state)
- The €1,000,000 financial guarantee securing state-budget obligations
The applicant must demonstrate capacity to pay both taxes and player winnings.
4. Technical & premises
- Machine and RNG certifications from ONJN-recognised labs
- Proof of the centralised computer system and its ONJN connection
- Ownership/use documents for the games rooms; sanitary and P.S.I. compliance
- Contracts with Class 2-licensed suppliers for equipment and maintenance
Class 2 supplier contracts are a frequent gap when suppliers’ own licenses are still pending.
5. AML, Responsible Gambling & Data Protection
ONJN reviews your technical setup to verify system integrity and security. Your file should include:
- AML procedures under Law 129/2019 and the gambling-sector AML norms, with an appointed AML officer
- Responsible gambling procedures and self-exclusion registry integration plan
- GDPR-compliant data protection framework
Operators must consult ONJN’s central self-exclusion registry under Order 79/2025.
6. Operating rules
- Detailed description of the activity and operating rules of each game
- Rules for organisation and conduct of business
- Right-of-use documents for the software from the owner
- Proof of the guarantee fund’s establishment
Equipment movement between locations must be reported to ONJN within strict deadlines.
[Get Your Custom Cost & Timeline PDF] — Request a tailored plan with exact document requirements for your project.
Ongoing Compliance & Obligations
The Class 1 licence is valid for up to 10 years — but maintaining it requires continuous compliance. ONJN actively monitors licensees and has authority to suspend or revoke authorizations for non-compliance.
Per-machine payments
Annual per-machine authorization and vice tax must be paid on time for every machine; missed payments risk suspension.
Equipment movement
Any movement of land-based gaming equipment between locations must be reported to ONJN within strict deadlines.
Self-exclusion registry
Under Order 79/2025 the national registry sits with ONJN; operators must check it and deny access to listed persons.
Player winnings tax
Withhold tax on winnings at source — currently from 4%, rising by bracket — and remit to ANAF.
Advertising limits
Strict restrictions on placement, messaging and the use of public figures in gambling advertising.
Inspections & audits
Periodic ONJN and police inspections; machines, certifications, AML and financial records must stay audit-ready.
2026 regulatory watch: a proposal to confine land-based slot, poker and casino venues to touristic resorts was tabled in October 2025 and is not enacted at the time of writing. Existing licensees operate normally, but applicants this year should keep counsel on the parliamentary track — transition periods in Romanian gambling amendments have historically been short.
Romania Slot Machine License — FAQs
Slot machine costs are driven by fleet size. Budget the administrative fees (documentation analysis plus issuance), an annual per-machine authorization fee of roughly €500 per machine (2025 staged rate), a €500 vice tax per machine per year, the €1,000,000 land-based financial guarantee, minimum share capital, and an annual responsible-gambling contribution. A 100-machine operation carries around €100,000 per year in per-machine charges alone. All figures are confirmed by ONJN at application.
Slot machines are licensed inside the Class 1 (B2C) framework. The operator holds a Class 1 licence and adds a slot-machine authorisation. There is no standalone “slot machine class” — Class 1 is B2C operators, Class 2 is B2B suppliers, and Class 3 is the state lottery monopoly.
An operator must be able to run at least 75 electronic gaming devices, with a minimum of 20 machines per games room in Bucharest or 12 in other localities. Authorized betting locations may hold a maximum of 5 machines, and jackpot systems across two or more locations require at least 50 interconnected machines.
Slot-machine venues are barred from small localities, and alcohol sales are prohibited where slot machines are operated. A proposal tabled in October 2025 would restrict land-based slot, poker and casino venues to touristic resorts, but it is not yet law.
Yes. The applicant must be a company registered in Romania or an EU/EEA/Swiss entity with a registered permanent establishment in Romania. Shareholders can be fully foreign; most operators incorporate a Romanian SRL as the license holder.
VLTs are treated as a traditional game with their own authorization profile, a €500 per-station vice tax, and a special levy applied to VLT income that is directed to the state budget. Ask us for a VLT-specific cost model.
The annual per-machine fee was staged up (€100 → €300 → €500), a €1,000,000 guarantee was imposed on land-based operators except casinos (January 2025), the limited-risk winnings device category was removed from primary legislation, player-winnings withholding rose to 4% at source, and self-exclusion moved to a central ONJN registry under Order 79/2025.
Planning a Slot Machine Operation in Romania?
Whether you are launching a hall network, adding VLT, or weighing a Class 1 slot authorization against a Class 2 supply model, our team can assess your eligibility, build a per-machine budget, prepare the complete ONJN file and represent you from kickoff to issuance.
