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Is Internet Gambling Legal in Romania?
In Romania, online gambling is, in fact, entirely legal and subject to strict licensing rules. The governing body that oversees all gambling activities and has set down explicit rules is the National gambling Office, or ONJN. By governing all popular forms of gambling, such as online casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo, and more, these rules guarantee that the gambling sector remains reliable and fair for both players and operators.
Romania's gambling laws first went into effect in 2009. The system grew increasingly intricate over time, especially from 2022 to 2024. Updates were made to strengthen rules, increase the duties of operators and service providers, and enhance financial reporting. These changes were intended to help users, stop criminal activity, and ensure every business operating in this area conform to the correct demands.
At AIS Technolabs, we help clients meet all these legal requirements by offering casino software and development solutions that fully align with ONJN’s rules, making it easier to enter the Romanian market with confidence
Romania’s iGaming Market Overview
Romania has a strong reputation as one of the best places in Europe to gamble online. Thanks to almost ten years of clear laws and government oversight, the country has established a climate of security and stability for iGaming businesses. Romania's over 19 million residents and high internet usage make it an ideal market for online casino companies.
The UEFA Euro football championship in 2021 was an important turning point. During this time, Romania saw a 90% surge in online gambling. What started as a sudden boost turned into steady, long-term growth. By 2024, the online gambling sector brought in about €750 million. The predictions of experts, the market is going to keep growing, hitting over €1 billion by 2029 at a 5.6% annual growth rate.
This success is driven by strong laws, growing internet access, and increasing interest in digital entertainment. At AIS Technolabs, we help new and experienced operators take advantage of this growing market with ready-to-launch casino platforms that meet all local rules and customer expectations.
Popular Types of Online Gambling in Romania
The most popular choice among players is obviously sports betting, as the Romanian online gambling sector keeps growing. By 2025, this market segment will be responsible for more than 58% of the total. While football is the main enticement, many Romanian users also like betting on other sports, including tennis, rugby, and even gymnastics.
This growing interest in sports betting has led to the need for reliable, certified platforms. With ONJN regulations in place, platforms that support live betting and local payment options are becoming the standard. At AIS Technolabs, we build Our Online Casino, Sports Betting, Lottery, Crypto Gaming, Sweepstakes, Casino Game Development, Igaming Platform, Slot and Retail Solutions software that meets all Romanian licensing rules and delivers real-time, user-friendly betting experiences.
Online casino games also hold a strong place in the market, making up about 36% of the industry. Romanian players often prefer slot games that look and feel like the classic slot machines they’ve seen in land-based casinos. Games with fruit symbols and a vintage style tend to be especially popular, helping operators attract and retain users.
Poker has a smaller but steady presence in the country, and live casino games like blackjack, roulette, and wheel-style game shows are quickly gaining interest. These live games offer a more interactive and exciting experience, which many players are now looking for in online platforms.
AIS Technolabs offers all of these gaming options in one complete solution, giving you the tools to succeed in a fast-growing and competitive market.
Demographics and User Behaviour
By the year 2025, it's estimated that around 2.4 million people in Romania take part in gambling at least once a year. Out of these, about 1.5 million prefer playing online. Each week, nearly 8% of the adult population is actively involved in some form of gambling.
The most common group of players includes young men between the ages of 18 and 24. Many of them are single, live in cities, and earn an average household income of about €562 per month. This shows a strong interest in online gaming among Romania’s younger, tech-savvy population.
While they are still in use, desktop computers are no longer the main means by which consumers access gambling websites. Due to its smoother creates, faster loading times, and flexibility, mobile apps have grown in popularity by the majority of gamers. This move to mobile devices is a component of the broader digital trend in Romania, where customers desire easy and convenient access to their favorite games.
The mobile-friendly video games and betting platforms developed by AIS Technolabs have been specifically designed for this new user demographic. Our software ensures that your players always enjoy a seamless and safe experience, whether they are at home or on the go.
Gambling Licences in Romania
Romania allows both local and international companies to run online gambling businesses, but they must follow the country’s official licensing process. The only area that remains fully controlled by the government is the lottery, which is managed by the Romanian National Lottery and falls under a separate Class III license.
Romania does not accept licenses from other nations. A gaming corporation must apply for a license directly from the ONJN, the nation's gambling regulator, in order to do legal commerce in Romania. Over thirty companies have been granted permission to operate lawfully as online casinos or sports betting businesses as of 2025.
Romanian Gambling License Types
Depending on the sort of gambling service you offer, there are various license categories in Romania. An outline of the main license categories is shown below:
There are two main types of licenses: Class I and Class II. Both types are valid for ten years, but companies must renew them every year and pay the required fees to remain active.
Running a gambling business in Romania without an official license is not just against the rules—it’s a serious crime. Anyone caught offering unlicensed services can face heavy fines, jail time, and could have their earnings taken away. To stop illegal websites, the ONJN also maintains a blacklist of banned gambling sites and works closely with internet providers to block them from public access.
At AIS Technolabs, we help our clients through the entire licensing process by delivering fully compliant software and expert support. Our goal is to make sure your platform meets all ONJN requirements so you can launch and operate your online casino in Romania with complete peace of mind.
Who Can Apply for a Romanian Gambling Licence?
If you want to launch an online gambling platform in Romania, your business must first be officially registered. Only companies based in the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland are allowed to apply for a license. Businesses from outside these regions cannot be approved under Romanian laws.
If your company is not based in Romania but falls within an accepted region, you will also need to create a local presence. This usually means opening a branch office or setting up a permanent location in Romania. Doing this helps the Romanian authorities see that your business is following local tax laws and is easy to monitor.
Many international companies take the route of starting a Romanian subsidiary or appointing a tax representative who handles official paperwork and financial responsibilities in the country. On top of this, there are a few other requirements your business must meet. These include proving that the people running the company have no criminal background, showing solid financial health, and providing documents that clearly explain how your gambling platform will function.
Your business will also go through background checks and financial reviews. Additionally, your casino or betting platform must be tested and approved by a certified lab that is officially recognized by OJN. Your software must meet all the required technical and security standards set by Romanian regulations.
The process of getting a license usually takes between two and four months. How fast it goes depends on how well your documents are prepared. With guidance from local professionals, it becomes much easier to manage the process. At AIS Technolabs, we support you from start to finish—helping with paperwork, building ONJN-ready platforms, and ensuring everything runs smoothly for your successful entry into the Romanian market.
Licence Types, Costs and Government Fees
If you're planning to launch an online casino in Romania, there are several important fees and licence types you should know about. Here's a clear breakdown of the costs involved:
Compliance Requirements for Romanian Online Casinos
One of the most significant regulating standards if you intend to run an online casino in Romania is to make sure that the ONJN, the country's gambling a regulator, can always access the data on your platform. You must install a mirror server within Romania in order to be compliant with this regulation. This local server stores a copy of important information from your platform and allows the regulators to review it whenever needed.
The data that must be mirrored includes details like game activity, outcomes generated by the random number generator (RNG), records of bets placed, transaction history, and financial data linked to your operations. This setup helps ONJN monitor gambling activities in real time and ensures that your platform is following the rules.
Romanian laws still requires this local mirror server, even if your primary server is situated in another EU country. Without it, your casino might not adhere with regulatory requirements, which could result in fines or license delays.
We at AIS Technolabs offer complete offerings, which include server infrastructure that complies with laws. Our experts help you set up local data support so your online casino stays legally approved and audit-ready at all times.
Working Only with Certified Suppliers
Romanian laws governing online gambling are extremely strict. The requirement that operators only work alongside partners who have received official ONJN (Romanian gaming authority) approval is one of the most important laws. This holds true for every component of the business, including affiliate networks, software platforms, hosting services, payment gateways, game providers, and RNG (random number generator) companies.
Being a globally recognized business is insufficient. Even renowned testing facilities like GLI, iTech amenities, and eCOGRA need to get a Class II license from the ONJN before their credentials may be accepted in Romania.
Before deciding to engage with a supplier, it is important to verify their license status in the ONJN's official database. Serious issues, such as being banned from the market, could happen if your partners lack certification.
At AIS Technolabs, we ensure full compliance with Romania’s gambling laws. Our casino platform, game aggregator, and sportsbook solution are all certified under the ONJN Class II license, making them safe and legal for use in the Romanian market.
Player Protection & Risk Control
In Romania, following gambling laws isn't just about ticking boxes – it's about making sure all the safety systems work well together. The focus is on protecting players, keeping financial activities clear, and making sure gaming is done responsibly. A robust system involving Responsible Gambling (RG), AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and KYC (Know Your Customer) is employed for this.
Know Your Client (KYC)
A key part of Romania’s gambling rules is making sure that operators know who is playing and whether they are allowed to play. To meet these rules, the system must be able to:
- Check the player’s identity and age when they sign up and before any money is withdrawn
- Allow users to upload documents safely and store them in a secure, encrypted way
- Block access to accounts that haven’t been verified
- Make sure players can’t create more than one account
These checks are required by the ONJN and form the base of a safe and legal gambling platform.
At AIS Technolabs, our gaming solutions are built to meet all of Romania’s regulatory needs. We include complete tools for identity checks, secure document handling, and player verification to help our clients stay compliant and protect their users.
Customer Checks & Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Following KYC's verification of a player's identity, tracking their financial activity comes next. This step of the process is called Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD). While KYC checks who the player is, CDD and AML focus on how they handle money over time.
To stay compliant with Romanian rules, operators must:
- Track player activity regularly and update risk levels if something changes
- Look out for signs of risky behavior – like big deposits, unusual betting habits, or actions that don’t match the player’s usual profile
- Request proof of where the player’s money comes from if any activity raises concern
- Use real-time tools to spot unusual transactions or patterns automatically
- Report any suspicious activities to Romania’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
- Have a written AML policy and appoint a specific person (AML Officer) to manage it
At AIS Technolabs, Our Online Casino, Sports Betting, Lottery, Crypto Gaming, Sweepstakes, Casino Game Development, Igaming Platform, Slot and Retail Solutions are built with advanced tools for CDD and AML. We help operators follow every step of the law – from tracking financial activity to reporting risks – ensuring your platform stays secure and fully compliant in the Romanian market.
Responsible Gambling Tools
While AML rules are in place to stop money laundering and criminal activity, Responsible Gambling (RG) focuses on protecting players from harming themselves through risky or addictive behavior. It’s not just a legal step – it’s a way to keep gaming safe and healthy.
Romanian gambling laws treat Responsible Gambling just as seriously as AML. Both require regular monitoring and action. The main difference is what happens next: AML might require reporting to authorities, while RG means helping the player take control.
Operators in Romania must offer the following RG features:
- Deposit limits that players can set by day, week, or month
- Self-exclusion options, allowing players to take a break for a set time or permanently block access
- On-screen alerts during gameplay that remind players how long they’ve been playing or how much they’ve spent
- Direct links to professional help, including certified support centers for gambling addiction and mental health counseling
At AIS Technolabs, we understand the importance of player well-being. That’s why our gaming solutions come with built-in Responsible Gambling tools, helping operators meet Romanian regulations and support players in making safe and informed choices.
Platform Security and Fair Play Standards
In Romania, it's not enough for online games to just work correctly – operators must be able to prove they work fairly and securely at all times. This means having strong systems in place to protect both the platform and its players.
Here are the key security and fairness requirements for Romanian gambling operators:
- Encryption for player data, so all personal and financial information stays safe
- Secure server setups, including a separate protected server if needed to store sensitive data like ID documents and payment info
- Anti-fraud tools, especially in peer-to-peer games like poker, to prevent cheating or players teaming up unfairly
- Game monitoring systems that check RNG (Random Number Generator) results, verify payout accuracy, and detect any suspicious activity
Provably fair technology, which lets both players and regulators check that game results haven’t been changed or influenced. This isn't required by law yet, but it shows a strong commitment to fair play.
At AIS Technolabs, we build gaming platforms with top-level security and fairness features. Our solutions are designed to meet all ONJN guidelines and help operators provide a safe, trustworthy, and fully compliant gaming environment in Romania.
Accepted Payment Methods in Romania
In Romania, players use a mix of international and local payment options. But no matter which method is used, it must go through providers that are officially licensed by the ONJN (Romanian gambling authority) under a Class II license. This ensures that all transactions are safe, transparent, and in line with local laws.
Common Payment Options
- Visa & MasterCard
Widely used for both deposits and withdrawals. These cards must be processed through approved payment providers like:
Nuvei
SafeCharge
Paysafe
Worldpay
- Skrill & Neteller
Very popular with Romanian players. Fast and easy to use, but still must go through licensed processors to meet legal requirements.
- PayPal
Technically allowed, but not commonly offered due to limited local support and stricter onboarding rules.
- Paysafecard
A great option for players who prefer cash-based methods. Must be managed through a certified Class II voucher provider like Paysafe.
- Bank Transfers
Often used for larger payouts. Many players prefer sending or receiving money directly through Romanian IBAN bank accounts. A connection to local banks is important for this.
- Local PSPs and Fintech Services
Romanian companies like MobilPay, SmartPay, and Rapid Transfer offer services in local currency (RON) and are well trusted by local users.
Important Note on Currency
All player funds must be kept in separate, secure accounts in Romanian Lei (RON). Even if a player deposits money in EUR or USD, it must be converted and held in RON for compliance.
At AIS Technolabs, we integrate only with payment providers that are fully approved by ONJN. Our casino and sportsbook platforms support all major local and global payment options – ensuring smooth, legal, and secure transactions for both operators and players.
Cryptocurrency and Digital Payments
As of 2025, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins are not allowed for gambling payments in Romania. According to ONJN rules, licensed operators are not permitted to accept crypto for deposits, withdrawals, or in-game spending.
What Operators Cannot Do:
- Offer players a crypto wallet
- Convert cryptocurrency into regular money (fiat) on their platform
- Advertise or suggest crypto as a payment method to Romanian players
About Workarounds:
While some users may convert crypto to fiat money using third-party services, this is only acceptable if:
- The exchange happens completely outside of the gambling platform
- The final deposit is made through a licensed fiat payment provider
- The operator does not promote or help with the crypto-to-fiat process
In short, crypto payments are still outside the legal framework in Romania. Until the law changes, operators must stick to traditional, approved payment methods only.
At AIS Technolabs, we build gambling platforms that fully follow Romanian rules. We ensure that all payment systems are 100% legal and work only with ONJN-approved providers – keeping your business secure and compliant.
Fraud Protection and Payment Gateway Compliance
To run a legal online gambling platform in Romania, all payment providers you work with must have an ONJN Class II license, support transactions in Romanian Lei (RON), and allow real-time access to payment data for audits and reviews.
In addition to using approved providers, operators must also take steps to protect the platform from fraud and misuse. This includes:
- IP address checks to detect unusual or suspicious access
- Device fingerprinting to track login patterns and spot fake users
- Velocity monitoring to catch rapid or repeated transactions that may signal fraud
- Card BIN (Bank Identification Number) validation to confirm payment card origin
- Transaction limits based on KYC to make sure spending matches the player's verified identity
All of these security tools must be fully active, regularly checked, and ready for audit at any time.
At AIS Technolabs, our gambling solutions are designed to meet all Romanian and EU rules. We work only with trusted, licensed payment gateways and include built-in tools to help you detect and stop fraud – keeping your platform secure, compliant, and ready for growth.
Marketing and Affiliate Strategy for Romania
Marketing is allowed in Romania’s legal online gambling industry, but all advertising must follow the rules set by the ONJN (National Gambling Office). This includes both direct promotions and affiliate partnerships.
Key Guidelines for Marketing:
- Work only with licensed affiliates and marketers
- Ensure ads are truthful and easy to understand
- Promote only to people aged 18 and above
- Always include messages about responsible gambling
Following these rules helps build trust and keeps your operations legal.
Affiliate Program Setup and Commission Models
If you plan to use affiliates to promote your gaming platform, it’s important to know that all affiliates must have an ONJN Class II license. As the operator, you're responsible for your affiliates’ actions, so choosing the right partners and keeping track of their work is very important.
Common Commission Models Used in Romania:
- Revenue Share – The affiliate earns a percentage of the revenue (usually 25% to 40%)
- CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) – A fixed payment for each player referred
- Hybrid Model – A mix of both revenue share and CPA
Our tools make it easy make it easy to manage affiliate programs. They offer features like performance tracking, tiered commission setups, detailed reports, and partner management tools.
At AIS Technolabs, we help operators launch and manage affiliate programs that meet Romanian regulations. We also offer technical support and platform integration to make sure everything runs smoothly and stays compliant.
SEO and Paid Advertising Considerations
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a vital strategy for any gambling platform. Since Romanian players often search in Romanian, it's important to create localized content that uses the right keywords, such as legal online casino, bonuses, and free spins.
When it comes to paid advertising, Google Ads allows gambling promotions in Romania, but you must meet certain requirements. Advertisers need to:
Obtain certification from Google. Have a valid gambling license from the Romanian National Office for Gambling (ONJN). Additionally, all ads must follow strict guidelines:
- Target only verified adults (18+)
- Include clear, responsible gambling messages
- Avoid misleading language or promises of unrealistic rewards
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram also allow gambling ads but with similar rules. Often, you’ll need to verify your account to avoid having your ads rejected or banned.
Localised Campaigns and Bonuses
When targeting Romanian players, localization is key to better engagement. Offering promotions that align with local culture and preferences (in both language and content) helps drive stronger results.
Popular promotions that work well in Romania include:
- Matched deposit bonuses with clear, easy-to-understand terms
- Free spins on slots with fruit or retro themes
- Free bets tied to major sports like football or tennis
Incorporating local elements like national holidays, sports events, or cultural references into your campaigns can really boost player interest. Don't forget, all messaging needs to be GDPR-compliant, and features promoting responsible play should be easy to find and accessible.
At AIS Technolabs, we support iGaming operators in creating tailored marketing strategies for Romania. We ensure your SEO and paid campaigns are fully compliant with local laws and optimized for the best performance.
Conclusion
Romania’s iGaming market offers great opportunities, but only for operators who are ready to fully comply with its strict rules. This isn’t a free-for-all market – it's a regulated, rules-driven environment where success relies on getting everything right: legally, technically, and operationally.
From obtaining the proper ONJN license and setting up mirror servers to working with certified suppliers and ensuring RON-based payments, every detail matters. There’s little room for mistakes. In Romania, regulations are about infrastructure, not just intentions.
However, for those who follow the rules, the rewards can be significant. Operators gain access to a digitally connected, mobile-first audience, a transparent and stable licensing system, and a growing market forecasted to reach nearly €1 billion by the end of the decade.
Entering the Romanian market isn’t just about expanding into a new region – it’s about aligning your business with a market that values structure, security, and long-term trust. Get the foundation right, and Romania can become a strong and scalable part of your global growth strategy.
At AIS Technolabs, we help you navigate Romania’s iGaming landscape with fully compliant, secure, and future-ready solutions that set you up for success.
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. We do not promote or facilitate gambling activities in any country where it is considered illegal. Our content is focused solely on providing knowledge about legal and regulated markets. We only work with operators and platforms that are licensed and comply with the laws of jurisdictions where casino gaming is permitted. We do not operate or endorse any form of gambling in restricted regions. In countries where only skill-based games are allowed, our involvement is strictly limited to those games.
We believe gambling should be an entertaining and responsible activity. Our goal is to ensure that the platforms we review uphold the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and player safety.
FAQs
Ans.
Online gambling is legal in Romania. The sector is governed by the National Gambling Office (ONJN) and authorized operators that satisfy the country's legal and technological standards. Any platform to be operated legitimately needs to be registered and in compliance.
Ans.
You must have a Class 1 license issued by the ONJN in order to establish a Romanian online casino. This entails having your servers hosted in Romania or an ONJN-permitted country, having an on-ground representative (Class 2 licensee), providing financial reports, and presenting proof of technical compliance.
Ans.
You will need to include the cost of licensing fees, software development or purchase, legal counsel, localisation, server equipment, and advertising, although the actual expense will depend on the scale of your project. On their own, licensing fees alone can account for between €15,600 and €120,000 annually based on turnover.
Ans.
Strong casino gambling software is needed, such as player management systems, secure payment integration, RNG certification, and easy-to-use interfaces. It should also be compliant with ONJN technical standards, such as real-time reporting and responsible gambling tools.
Ans.
Yes, for the purpose of offering services such as hosting, audit, payment processing, or customer support, global operators need to cooperate with a Class 2 licensed local business. That facilitates communication with ONJN and compliance with Romanian gambling legislation as more effective.
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