Romania Gaming Licence (ONJN): How to Enter One of CEE’s Largest Regulated Markets

Romania is one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in Central and Eastern Europe, and it has been open to licensed private operators for a decade. The framework is demanding and taxes have risen, but the market’s size keeps it firmly on the shortlist for operators building a CEE footprint. Here is how licensing works.

The regulator and licence classes

Online gambling is supervised by the National Gambling Office (ONJN). The regime distinguishes between Class 1 licences for B2C operators offering games directly to Romanian players and Class 2 licences for B2B suppliers, including platform providers, game studios, payment processors, affiliates and certification bodies. A Class 1 operator may only work with Class 2-licensed suppliers, which means the licensing obligation flows through the entire supply chain.

Corporate and local requirements

Class 1 applicants must operate through a company registered in Romania or another EU/EEA state with a permanent establishment and an authorised representative in Romania. Recent amendments have pushed the regime toward stronger local presence, including requirements around Romanian-based entities and local infrastructure, so applicants should verify the current position before structuring. Share capital and a bank guarantee to secure tax and player obligations are also required.

Taxes and fees

Operators pay a GGR-based gaming tax alongside an annual licence fee and an authorisation fee calculated on revenue, plus contributions to responsible-gambling funds. Player winnings are subject to withholding tax, which operators must administer. Rates and thresholds have changed several times in recent years, typically upward, so financial modelling should include a margin for further changes.

Compliance obligations

Licensees must connect to ONJN’s monitoring systems, keep servers accessible to the regulator, implement identity verification before play, follow detailed responsible-gambling rules and comply with advertising restrictions that have tightened, including limits on bonus advertising and outdoor advertising near schools. AML obligations follow EU standards and are enforced.

Timeline and practical notes

A complete application is usually decided within a few months, but the supply-chain licensing requirement means operators must line up Class 2-licensed partners before launch. Enforcement against unlicensed operators is active, with domain blacklisting and payment blocking.

For a Romanian entry plan that accounts for the latest amendments, contact our licensing practice.