Casinos, bookmakers, lotteries and online gambling are legal - Romania

Romania is one of the most formalized gambling markets in Eastern Europe: all key forms are legal - land-based casinos, bookmakers, lotteries and online gambling (betting, casino, poker, etc.), subject to obtaining licenses and compliance with technical and behavioral standards. Oversight is carried out by the national regulator ONJN, which manages licensing, auditing, player protection and online enforcement.

What is allowed

Casino (offline): gaming tables and slots in licensed establishments that meet the requirements for premises, video surveillance, cash discipline and player information.

Bookmakers (offline): sports betting according to the approved rules, customer identification, visible betting rules and payment limits.

Lotteries: the national operator operates in a separate mode, draws and scratch products - in a legal field.

Online gambling: distance betting, casino games, poker, etc., if the operator (B2C) and its technological partners (B2B) have a license.

Who gets market access and how

• Class I (B2C): operators working with players (online and/or offline).
• Class II (B2B): providers of platforms, content, hosting, payment services, audit/certification, CCM/anti-fraud.
• Class III: State Lottery.

The operator submits a package of documents (corporate structure, finance, contracts with class II B2B partners), technical description of the platform and compliance policies: KYC/AML, Responsible Gaming (RG), data protection (GDPR), incident response plan. Start is possible only after ONJN approval and certifications.

Online: mandatory standards

Identification (KYC) and age 18 +. Verification of identity/address and sources of funds is required, without it withdrawal of funds is impossible.

RG tools: deposit/loss/time limits, "time out," self-exclusion, visible warnings and access to transaction history.

Technical security: certified RNG/platforms, secure connections, log storage, ONJN reporting.

Payments and withdrawal: payout rule, Strong Customer Authentication, transparent deadlines and fees.

Localization and support: interface and rules - in Romanian, local support service is available.

Control and enforcement

Blocking registry: domains/IP of unlicensed sites are listed for communication providers; payment intermediaries restrict transactions addressed to them.

Inspections and sanctions: prescriptions, fines, suspension/cancellation of licenses in case of violations.

Marketing under the rules: 18 +, lack of misleading promises ("easy earnings," "no risk"), transparent T&C bonuses, promotional labeling and limiting sites with a young audience.

What it means for the player

Only licensed sites and halls should be chosen - this is a guarantee of transparent conditions, protected payments and the availability of RG tools.

Before betting/playing, check: license number, bonus conditions, availability of limits and self-exclusion, channels of appeal/complaints.

Keep a history of bets and screenshots of coupons - this makes it easier to sort out controversial situations.

What it means for business

The entry threshold is high, but the rules are predictable: understandable license classes, requirements for technology and reporting, regular audits.

Success is built on compliance and service: fast and secure payments, stable mobile UX, correct advertising and developed support.

Contracts are required only with licensed B2B providers (class II) - this is a condition of online legality.

Romania has legal casinos, betting shops, lotteries and online gambling, but only under the strict ONJN licence and supervision. This model combines the availability of legal entertainment with high consumer protection: the player receives a transparent and secure service, and the market - sustainable growth and understandable rules of the game.