Romania’s gambling industry is facing mounting instability as sweeping regulatory reforms continue to reshape the market, leaving many land-based operators in legal and operational limbo.

Once considered one of Eastern Europe’s strongest retail gaming markets, Romania has seen the number of slot machines fall dramatically from around 80,000 to just 36,000 over the past two years. Industry stakeholders warn the figure could decline even further before the end of 2026.

Local authorities gain power over gambling

The sector’s biggest disruption came in February, when Romania’s government unexpectedly transferred significant gambling licensing powers from the national regulator (ONJN) to local councils.

Under the new framework, municipalities can now:

- Ban gambling entirely within their jurisdiction

- Block new gambling venues

- Introduce local taxes

- Implement zoning restrictions

Several cities, including Slatina, Brăila, Ploiești and Iași, immediately proposed local bans on slot halls, while parts of Bucharest are considering similar measures.

The reforms followed earlier restrictions introduced in 2024 and 2025, including:

- A ban on slot halls in towns with fewer than 15,000 residents

- Stricter advertising rules

- Higher gambling taxes

- Increased annual slot machine fees

Operators trapped in regulatory uncertainty

Industry representatives say the transition has created a “Catch-22” situation for operators.

Companies still hold valid national licences, but many cannot continue operating without local authorisation. At the same time, numerous councils have yet to establish licensing procedures or clarify their position on gambling activity.

With no penalties for municipalities missing implementation deadlines, uncertainty continues to grow.

Stakeholders warn this could gradually force operators out of the market as existing annual licences expire.

Shift toward online gambling accelerates

The regulatory pressure is accelerating a major shift toward online gambling and omnichannel business models.

According to H2 Gambling Capital data, online gambling now represents approximately 71% of Romania’s total gambling market, up significantly from 52% in 2023.

Several operators have already begun closing retail venues and redirecting customers online. One major operator reportedly shut down 60 locations and plans to close another 100.

The trend is also driving consolidation across the market, with operators increasingly prioritising scale, digital operations and regulatory resilience.

Black market concerns growing

Industry groups warn excessive restrictions and fragmented local regulation could strengthen Romania’s black market gambling sector.

Trade body Rombet argued that banning or over-restricting legal gambling would likely redirect players toward unlicensed offshore operators, reducing consumer protections, tax revenues and regulatory oversight.

Meanwhile, additional restrictions remain under discussion, including:

- Raising the legal gambling age to 21

- Further gambling advertising limitations

- Potential bans on public figures appearing in gambling campaigns

Industry faces defining period

Romania’s gambling market now stands at a critical crossroads as operators await further guidance from both local authorities and the national regulator.

Stakeholders warn the next phase of reforms will determine whether Romania maintains a sustainable regulated gambling sector or moves toward an increasingly fragmented and restrictive environment.

Sources: IGB