Online gambling law and regulation in Romania

Footnotes and Notes

NB: Operators licensed in other EU Member States to offer online gambling services must obtain a licence and/or authorisation to offer such services in Romania. Simplified requirements for obtaining a licence may apply to operators already licensed in other Member States.

NB: Games of an entertainment nature which are operated via any kind of machine and which do not involve winning based on random elements, but are intended to test the participant’s strength, intelligence or dexterity, do not constitute gambling and are not subject to licensing and authorisation. However, subject to the specifics of the game, skill games may fall under the general legal definition of “gambling” for which obtaining a licence and/or authorisation is required.

NB: Under the regulatory regime applicable in Romania as of 2016, new licensing and authorisation requirements apply to traditional and online gambling activities, as well as to activities ancillary to gambling such as lease, distribution and maintenance activities in relation to gambling. Depending on the type of activity concerned, specific types of licences and/or authorisations need to be obtained.

Find out more about Gambling laws in Romania.

1. Amusement or sporting games where players are required to demonstrate knowledge and skill and which are not based predominantly on chance do not constitute gambling and are not subject to licensing and authorisation. However, subject to the specifics of the game, sports games may fall under the general legal definition of “gambling” or within the category of a specific type of gambling activity regulated under the law and for which obtaining a licence and/or authorisation is required (e.g. betting).

2. Organising lottery games requires a specific type of licence to be obtained and is an activity subject to the monopoly of the Romanian state.

Last updated: April 2023