Online casinos are fully legal and regulated in Romania under a comprehensive licensing framework established by the government (1). The regulatory landscape for online gambling was formalized in 2015 when Romania opened its market to operators located within the European Union, allowing them to offer services to Romanian players through proper licensing procedures. The National Gambling Office (ONJN - Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc) serves as the primary regulatory authority responsible for overseeing all gambling activities, including online casinos, within Romanian territory.
The legal framework governing online casinos in Romania is primarily established through Emergency Ordinance 77/2009, which has been amended multiple times to ensure compliance with European Union regulations and modern gambling standards (1). Under this legislation, operators must obtain proper licensing from ONJN and meet strict requirements including minimum share capital, technical compliance, and responsible gambling measures. The regulatory system distinguishes between different types of licenses, with Class I licenses required for operators who directly provide gambling services to Romanian players, while Class II licenses cover ancillary services and business-to-business operations (2).
"Online casinos are permitted, and the casino licence also covers online poker and online slot-machine gaming, with operators required to comply with technical standards and responsible gambling provisions established by Romanian gambling legislation."
Romanian law requires online casino operators to implement comprehensive player protection measures, including self-exclusion procedures, deposit limits, and age verification systems to prevent minors from accessing gambling services (2). The regulatory framework also mandates that licensed operators maintain adequate financial guarantees, with online casino operators required to maintain guarantee funds of up to 5 million euros depending on their revenue levels. All licensed operators must pay annual licensing fees and contribute to social responsibility funds aimed at preventing gambling addiction, demonstrating Romania's commitment to maintaining a safe and regulated online gambling environment for its citizens.
Source:
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/romania/trends-and-developments
https://onjn.gov.ro/
Last updated: 26-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
