Altenar, a sportsbook software provider, takes a look at how new-to-market operators and entrepreneurs can start an online gambling business in Romania—from licensing, to facts about sports betting, casino, poker, and bingo, to which gambling types are legal in Romania.
Getting the right starting point in any iGaming market is crucial—it can set the tone for your future success and overall scalability. Altenar, a tier-one provider, not only has extensive experience in global markets, but its expertise in developing tailored-for-player-and-market sports betting solutions makes it the first point of contact for operators seeking stability and flexibility in their offering.
Throughout this article, you’ll find essential information on the Romanian market and the features and content Altenar offers that not only improve your business but also enhance the player experience.
Gambling License in Romania | Romania’s Approach to Regulated Gaming
After a series of key legislative changes, Romania's stance on gambling has evolved, leading to the regulations that now define the legal framework for gambling activities in the country.
At the time of writing, the authority overseeing Romania's gambling market is the National Gambling Office (ONJN), a specialized body under the Romanian Ministry of Finance. The ONJN has enforcement powers and is responsible for granting licenses and authorizations.
Online
Where the following categories are marked as permitted, it means the respective games are allowed, provided the necessary license and authorization are obtained.
Betting
Betting is legal under Romanian law, and the legislation explicitly permits the following online betting types:
- fixed-odds betting;
- exchange betting; and
- mutual (pari-mutuel) betting
Bingo
Online bingo is legal, and its license also includes keno games.
Casinos
Online casino gaming is permitted. The license also includes online poker and slot machine games.
Lotteries
Online lottery games are restricted and fall under the monopoly of the Romanian National Lottery.
Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports are not specifically regulated. If the activity doesn’t meet the criteria of gambling, it falls outside Romania’s gambling legislation.
Betting Licenses in Romania | Compliance Through Reporting & Risk Management
As a sportsbook software provider, Altenar ensures that its products are fully compliant with local regulations. Operators using Altenar’s award-winning solutions benefit from dependable and regulator-aligned features and content.
In Romania, whether land-based or online, operators must meet technical and electronic standards. Altenar provides access to 24/7 risk management services and operator-regulator-facing reporting features to help track and manage betting activity in real time.
The regulatory framework includes:
- GEO 77/2009 on the organization and operation of games of chance;
- GD 111/2016 on the implementation of GEO 77/2009;
- GEO 20/2013 establishing the ONJN;
- GD 298/2013 on the organization and functioning of the ONJN.
Additional ONJN-issued orders and instructions cover:
- certification of online platforms;
- slot machine interconnection and reporting;
- reporting requirements for all operators.
AML requirements were initially established in Law 129/2019, based on the EU’s 4th and 5th AML Directives. Sector-specific implementation guidance for gambling came into effect in January 2022.
Online Gambling License Romania | Understanding the Gaming Landscape
Online gambling licenses in Romania are in high demand and are hard-earned due to Romania’s strict operational and technical requirements.
Romanian Law Recognizes Three Types of Licenses
Class 1 License – Required for B2C operators offering services in Romania (land-based or online).
Class 2 License – Required for B2B providers that supply products/services to Class 1 operators. This includes:
- game manufacturers and component suppliers (land-based);
- software vendors;
- platform management/hosting providers;
- live casino streamers;
- certification bodies and auditors;
- payment processors;
- marketing affiliates.
Class 3 License – Automatically granted to the Romanian National Lottery, which holds a monopoly over lottery games.
Altenar, a sportsbook software provider, is licensed and regulated in multiple EU jurisdictions. To learn more about regulation, licensing, and certification in Romania, contact the tier-one provider today!
Eligible Gambling Activities | Quick Reference
- Bingo
- Betting
- Casinos
- Lotteries
- Fantasy Sports
What Are the Annual Fees for Online Gambling Operators in Romania?
Annual Fees for Online Gambling
Operators must pay an annual license tax based on turnover, ranging from EUR 15,600 (under EUR 500,000 turnover) to EUR 312,000 (over EUR 10 million).
An annual authorization tax also applies—23% of GGR, but not less than EUR 120,000.
Operators must contribute EUR 5,000 annually to the responsible gambling fund.
For integration or recertification of new games, operators must pay EUR 150 per approval request.
Taxes for Licensed B2B Providers
Class 2 B2B license holders must pay EUR 9,500 annually, plus a responsible gambling contribution of EUR 1,000 per license.
Learn more about entering Romania’s market by contacting Altenar, a sportsbook software provider, today!
