Is an online casino legal in Romania?

Yes, it is not only legal but also fully regulated. All major gambling sectors, such as online casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo, and others, are managed by the National Gambling Authority (ONJN) through a special licensing model.

The legislative framework was established in 2009 and supplemented by technical provisions in 2016. Between 2022 and 2024, the regulatory system underwent a number of changes. Control mechanisms were strengthened, new tax instruments were introduced, and the scope of obligations for operators and suppliers was expanded.

Romania is a mature and steadily developing market with a population of almost 19 million and a well-developed digital infrastructure.

Key growth occurred in 2021 after the European Football Championship, which sparked a flurry of activity that ultimately turned into a long-term trend. In 2024, the online segment earned €752.8 million, and by 2029, it is expected to grow to almost €1 billion with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%.

Sports betting is the most popular form of online gambling and will control around 58% of the online market by 2025. Football remains the main sport, but Romanian bettors also love tennis, rugby, and even gymnastics, especially in international competitions.

Online casinos control 36% of the market. There is a steady interest in classic slots, especially in retro and fruit styles.

This visual concept evokes memories of land-based slot machines, which are popular among Romanian players, and serves as a means of retaining the audience.

Virtual casinos (roulette, blackjack, and game shows) continue to grow, while online poker’s share remains at around 2 percent.

By 2025, approximately 2.4 million Romanians will gamble at least once a year, of which 1.5 million will do so online. About 8% of the adult population participates weekly. Young single men aged 18 to 24, who typically live in cities and have an average income of around €562 per month, are the most active group.

Although desktops are still used, the mobile segment is driving most of the growth. People who use this product expect instant access, responsive design, and an extremely “light” interface.

Romania uses a controlled gambling license model, allowing both local and foreign operators to operate in the market provided they hold an ONJN license. The state monopoly on the lottery segment under a Class III license is the only exception.

Licenses from other jurisdictions are not recognized. As of 2025, there should be more than 30 licensed operators working with consumers in the country.