Romania has a well-regulated gambling market overseen by the National Gambling Office (ONJN). Since legalizing online gambling in 2015, the country has become a growing hotspot for operators. Whether you’re a B2C operator offering services like online casinos or a B2B provider offering technical solutions, obtaining a gambling license in Romania is essential.
Key Highlights:
License Types: B2C (Class 1) for operators serving players; B2B (Class 2) for service providers.
Costs: B2C licenses cost €300,000 annually, while B2B licenses require €15,000 annually.
Requirements: Local presence, €200K-1M share capital for B2C and no required share capital for B2B, certified software, and compliance with technical and financial standards.
Tax: 21% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) with a minimum of €400,000, applies to B2C operators.
License Validity: 10 years, but annual renewals are mandatory.
Application Timeline: 30-60 days, depending on document accuracy and compliance.
Pros and Cons:
Advantages: Access to a growing EU market, competitive tax rates, and clear regulations.
Disadvantages: High initial costs, strict compliance requirements, and mandatory local infrastructure.
Whether you’re entering as an operator or service provider, Romania offers a structured pathway to the EU gambling market. But be prepared for rigorous compliance and financial commitments.
Romania Gambling License Overview
Romania has a dual licensing system that governs both online and land-based gambling. It includes two main categories: B2C and B2B licenses. While these licenses are valid for 10 years, operators must also renew them annually to stay compliant.
License Types in Romania
Operators in Romania can choose between two license types, each catering to different audiences and activities:
In addition to obtaining the main license, operators must secure annual authorizations to meet regulatory standards.
National Gambling Office (ONJN) Role
The National Gambling Office (ONJN), created in 2013 under Emergency Ordinance № 20/2013, is Romania's main regulatory body for gambling. Operating under the Ministry of Finance, the ONJN enforces strict oversight through:
- Real-time monitoring of gambling activities
- Conducting regular compliance audits
- Managing license issuance and renewals
- Enforcing responsible gambling measures
- Handling player complaints
License Scope and Duration
Romanian gambling licenses cover a wide range of operational aspects while adhering to strict regulatory standards. Key details include:
- Territorial Coverage: Operators can provide services nationwide.
- Service Delivery: Both online and land-based gambling are permitted.
- Duration: Licenses are valid for 10 years but require annual renewals.
Recent updates in regulations focus on improving player protection and ensuring financial transparency, solidifying Romania's reputation as a prominent gambling jurisdiction in Europe.
Requirements for a Romania Gambling License
To secure a gambling license in Romania, operators must meet specific criteria set by the National Gambling Office (ONJN), covering legal, financial, and technical aspects.
Legal Entity Structure
Operating in Romania's gambling market requires companies to establish a local presence. Here’s what’s needed:
- Register a Romanian legal entity (SRL/SA) with gambling activities included in its founding documents
- Maintain a registered office within Romania
- Appoint local representatives for foreign companies
Additionally, servers must be located in Romania, another EU member state, or within the European Economic Area. This ensures ONJN maintains jurisdictional control, as outlined in its regulatory framework.
Financial and Technical Needs
Operators must prove their financial stability and technical reliability to meet ONJN’s requirements:
Technical infrastructure must comply with ONJN’s strict standards, including:
- Certified Random Number Generator (RNG) systems
- Encrypted storage for player data
- Real-time monitoring capabilities
These measures align with Romania’s focus on player safety and operational transparency.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a range of documents to demonstrate compliance:
For B2B operators, there’s an additional annual contribution of €15,000 to support Responsible Gambling initiatives.
Server and Data Requirements
Each B2C operator must set up a mirror or backup servers located either in Romania or another EEA country. This server must receive real-time copies of all gaming data, such as player activity, bets, and winnings.
This is required so that the ONJN (the Romanian gambling regulator) has constant access to all platform data.
All gaming-related data must be stored on servers located in Romania (or the EEA), according to ONJN’s official procedures.
In addition to mentioned requirements, operators must use only Class 2 licensed providers for key services, including:
- Hosting and server management
- Payment processing
- Software provision (RNG)
- Certification and auditing
These providers must hold a valid Class 2 license from ONJN.
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Pros and Cons of a Romania Gambling License
Romania's gambling license framework offers a mix of benefits and challenges. Operators need to weigh these factors carefully to make informed decisions.
Market Advantages
Romania's gambling tax rate of 21% on gross gaming revenue (GGR) is competitive within the EU. Combined with a share capital requirement of €200,000-€1 million for B2C and €5,000-€15,000 for B2B, these factors make Romania an attractive option for some operators.
Operational Benefits and Challenges
Here's a closer look at key operational aspects:
Strategic Considerations
Romania's licensing system aligns with EU standards, ensuring compliance with GDPR and anti-money laundering directives. The requirement for .ro domains and local servers strengthens data security, as detailed in ONJN's technical guidelines.
Practical Implications
Operating under a Romanian license comes with specific requirements, including:
- Professional translations into Romanian
- Establishing a local legal entity
- Integration with the national self-exclusion database
While the initial setup involves significant investment and detailed compliance, Romania offers a solid opportunity for operators looking to expand into the EU market. For those willing to navigate these challenges, the potential rewards can be worth the effort.
Steps to Apply for a Romania Gambling License
The process is divided into three main phases: preparation, submission and review, and post-approval implementation.
Preparation Steps
Before applying, operators need to handle several key requirements:
- Financial Requirements: Provide proof of enough funds to support operations.
- Documentation: Submit essential documents such as:
- Corporate registration papers
- Certified software specifications
- AML (Anti-Money Laundering) procedures and data protection protocols
Application Submission and Review
Once all preparations are complete, submit the necessary materials through ONJN's online portal. The review process usually takes 30-60 days. During this time, authorities assess:
- Technical compliance with Romania's regulations
- Financial stability
- Background checks on key personnel
- Software certification and integrity
License Approval and Issuance
After the review period, approved applicants must complete these steps:
- Initial Setup:
Operators need to establish their technical systems, which include:- Connecting to ONJN's monitoring systems
- Setting up local servers and a .ro domain
- Financial Obligations:
Approved applicants are required to:- Pay the license fee (€300,000 for Class 1 licenses as of 2023)
- Fulfill the 21% GGR tax
- Contribute to responsible gambling initiatives
- Operational Launch:
The final step is launching operations by:- Implementing server and domain requirements
- Setting up reporting systems
- Installing compliance monitoring tools
B2C and B2B Licenses in Romania
Romania's licensing system divides operators (Class 1/B2C) and service providers (Class 2/B2B) into separate categories, each with its own set of requirements. This structure reflects Romania's two-tier regulatory approach, as highlighted in the License Types section.
B2C License
B2C licenses allow operators to offer gambling services directly to Romanian players. This includes online casinos, sports betting, and poker platforms. To qualify, operators must meet the following conditions:
- Maintain a share capital of €200,000-€1,000,000
- Be locally incorporated in Romania
- Use platforms certified with a reliable Random Number Generator (RNG)
The initial licensing fee is €300,000 for a 10-year period. Annual authorization fees range from €90,000 to €115,000, depending on the operator's specifics.
B2B License
B2B licenses are aimed at companies providing infrastructure and technical solutions for gambling operators. These licenses come with their own set of requirements:
- A share capital of €5,000—€15,000 minimum
- Registration within the European Union
- Software certified by an approved testing lab
The initial fee for a B2B license is €20,000 for 10 years, with an additional annual licensing fee of €15,000.
Key Differences Between B2C and B2B Licenses
The table below highlights the primary differences between these two license types:
Romania's dual licensing system ensures that B2C and B2B operators meet distinct requirements tailored to their roles in the gambling market. These differences, particularly in capital thresholds and operational focus, reflect the unique responsibilities each license type carries.
License Renewal in Romania
Romania's dual licensing system requires operators to stay on top of renewal requirements to ensure compliance. The National Gambling Office (ONJN) oversees this process, enforcing strict procedural standards.
Renewal Fees and Financial Requirements
Romania has updated its licensing fees to reflect changing regulatory priorities:
As of October 2023, the renewal fee for B2B licenses has jumped from €9,500 to €20,000. Additionally, the annual responsible gambling contribution has risen significantly, from €1,000 to €15,000.
Required Documentation
Operators must provide the following to meet ONJN's compliance standards:
- Updated corporate registration and shareholder details
- Audited financial statements
- Recent technical compliance certifications
- Proof of adherence to AML (anti-money laundering) and responsible gambling practices
Timeline and Best Practices
Renewal applications should be initiated 3 to 6 months before the license expiration date. This allows enough time for regulatory reviews and ensures uninterrupted operations.
Special Rules for International Operators
New requirements, effective October 6, 2023, apply specifically to international operators seeking license renewal:
- Local Presence: Operators must establish a Romanian legal entity within six months of the regulation's start.
- Data Storage: A primary server must be located in Romania, with data retained for five years to allow regulatory access.
- Local Representative: Companies are required to appoint an authorized representative to handle regulatory matters.
Gambling Laws in Romania
Romania's gambling regulations are primarily governed by Law No. 124/2015 and Emergency Decree No. 77/2009. Recent updates, such as EGO 82/2023, have introduced stricter rules for operators.
Core Legislative Framework
Romania's gambling industry operates under these key laws:
These laws guide licensing requirements and the application process.
Recent Legal Developments
In October 2023, the Emergency Government Ordinance (EGO) 82/2023 introduced several new rules:
- Operators are required to establish local headquarters.
- Advertising is now subject to stricter limitations.
- Fees have been increased (details provided in the Renewal section).
- New restrictions apply to the location of gaming shops.
Responsible Gambling Requirements
Operators in Romania must implement robust player protection measures, including:
These safeguards are reviewed during annual renewal audits to ensure compliance.
Technical Compliance
The National Gambling Office (ONJN) enforces strict technical standards, outlined in Presidential Orders (No. 47/2016, 48/2016, 93/2016):
- Software must undergo regular audits by certified testing labs.
- Operators are required to retain data for five years.
- Real-time monitoring capabilities are mandatory.
These technical standards play a crucial role in the certification process for obtaining a license.
Costs and Timeline
Obtaining a Romanian gambling license involves several expenses and fees set by the National Gambling Office (ONJN). As of October 2023, the fee structure has been updated.
License and Authorization Fees
Annual Authorization Structure
Extra payments might be required depending on how much money the operator makes. These are calculated using the ONJN rules.
Additional Financial Requirements
B2C companies are required to maintain a minimum share capital of €200,000-€1,000,000, while B2B companies aren’t required to have any share capital; however, it is recommended to have at least €5,000-€15,000. Other costs include ONJN-approved software certification, setting up a local server, and legal fees.
Timeline Expectations
The time it takes to process a license application depends on several factors, such as:
- The complexity of the application
- ONJN's workload at the time
- Requests for additional information
- Duration of background checks
- Completion of the technical certification process
Typically, the process takes between 30 and 60 days if a company already exists, all documents are ready, and the application is submitted.
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Conclusion
Since 2015, Romania's gambling market has seen steady growth, particularly in the online sector, where the number of operators has tripled since legalization. The National Gambling Office (ONJN) plays a key role, ensuring strict oversight while providing structured opportunities for market entry.
ONJN's licensing framework offers clear B2C and B2B pathways (see License Types). For operators that meet these criteria, Romania serves as a gateway to the EU market, thanks to its transparent regulations. However, navigating the country's evolving rules requires careful attention.
The 2023 regulatory updates highlight ONJN's focus on maintaining high industry standards. These changes include revised fee structures and stricter oversight mechanisms, reflecting the agency's dedication to a well-regulated market (see Costs section).
Operators planning to enter the market should review financial requirements, such as the €200K-1M capital, and technical mandates like local server usage, as detailed earlier. Meeting these financial, technical, and regulatory benchmarks is critical for a successful launch.
As ONJN continues to refine its regulations, operators must weigh the costs of compliance against the benefits of accessing this growing market.
