Gambling lawyer in Romania: ONJN licensing and legal advice

What should you check before starting a gambling business?

An ONJN licence, an operating authorisation and local authorisation for land-based premises serve different purposes. In 2026, the assessment should cover the gambling category, the company's role, its legal structure, suppliers, financial obligations and requirements affecting each location. A foreign gambling licence does not replace the approvals required in Romania.

The starting point is the legal classification of the business model. An operator, a software supplier and an affiliate may face different obligations even when working on the same project.

ONJN licences and operating authorisations

The Romanian National Gambling Office — ONJN — regulates and supervises the sector. Licensing and authorisation are governed by Government Emergency Ordinance No. 77/2009 and the implementing rules approved by Government Decision No. 111/2016, as amended.

Legal assistance may include assessing applicant eligibility, reviewing corporate documents, preparing applications and responses to the authority, and examining changes after authorisation. Technical and financial documentation must be aligned with the legal requirements of the project.

For online operators, the Class I licence and operating authorisation should be distinguished from Class II licences required for certain ancillary activities. A supplier's position depends on what it actually does; describing it as a “service provider” in a contract does not determine its regulatory status.

Read more about gambling licences in Romania and online gambling licensing.

What changed in 2026 for land-based premises?

Government Emergency Ordinance No. 7/2026 introduced a local authorisation layer for gambling activities conducted at physical premises. Local councils decide whether to allow those activities within their administrative territory. Where permitted, an annual local operating permit, local regulations, designated areas and a fee based on the premises' floor area become relevant.

A transitional rule applies: for operators holding a valid ONJN operating authorisation when the ordinance entered into force, Article III applies when that authorisation period expires. The local fee introduced by those provisions is not payable for the transitional period specified in Article XXXIX.

Before leasing premises, opening a location or continuing operations after an authorisation expires, the operator's position and the competent local council's decisions must be checked. An ONJN licence alone does not establish that any proposed premises may be used.

The review can cover location eligibility, required documents, the authorisation timetable and lease provisions addressing refusal or loss of permission to operate. Source: Government Emergency Ordinance No. 7/2026, Articles III and XXXIX (Romanian).

Online gambling, suppliers and Romanian market entry

An online project requires licensing to be considered alongside the platform, contracts, payment arrangements and player-facing rules. For foreign businesses, this includes examining the structure eligible for the Romanian market. Subject to statutory requirements, the framework allows Romanian companies and legal entities established in the EU, EEA or Switzerland that register a permanent establishment in Romania.

For suppliers subject to Class II licensing, checking counterparties and the services provided to operators is essential. The current framework includes restrictions on supplying unlicensed operators that accept participation from Romania, together with specific duties for certain supplier categories. The assessment should address the actual services, contractual relationships and relevant technical controls.

For incorporations, restructurings and acquisitions, these checks complement our company and commercial law services.

Compliance after authorisation

Obtaining approvals is the start of an ongoing compliance process. A legal review may address:

• customer identification, anti-money laundering requirements and internal procedures;
• protection of minors, responsible gambling and self-exclusion under the ONJN procedure;
• game rules, platform terms, complaints and player communications;
• advertising, promotions and affiliate arrangements;
• reporting, notifications, renewals and inspection records;
• personal data processing and suppliers with access to that data.

Self-exclusion needs to be reflected in operational procedures, including handling requests, conducting the required checks and applying access restrictions. The relevant framework is the procedure approved by ONJN Order No. 79/2025 (Romanian). For personal data matters, see our GDPR and data protection services.

Contracts, investments and regulatory disputes

Software, platform, equipment, lease, distribution and joint venture agreements should reflect authorisation requirements and each party's responsibilities. We review provisions addressing compliance, audits, data access, liability, termination and the consequences of an authorisation being suspended.

For an acquisition, legal due diligence examines relevant licences, authorisations, contracts, inspections, sanctions and disputes. The transaction structure can affect notification obligations and the steps required to continue operating.

When an inspection or administrative measure arises, the first assessment concerns the document received, its service date and the applicable deadline. Depending on the case, assistance may include submissions, challenges and applications for suspension through our administrative litigation services. Filing a challenge should not be assumed to suspend every measure automatically.

Our team and partners

Our team and partner network include collaborating lawyers, tax advisers, auditors and court enforcement officers (bailiffs). We work closely with our external specialists to provide 360° solutions.

For gambling projects, the tax, accounting and audit aspects — fees, guarantees, reporting and the financial documentation of the application — can be coordinated with these specialists. We involve them only with your agreement, and their services are contracted separately.

Preparing for your first consultation

Provide a short description of the proposed activity, company details, its role in the project, the premises or platforms involved and the issue requiring advice. For an existing business or procedure, relevant documents include licences, authorisations, agreements and correspondence with authorities, including evidence of service.

The consultation identifies applicable requirements, missing documents and priority steps. Legal fees and the scope of the engagement depend on the project. Public fees, guarantees and other operating costs are assessed separately, according to the gambling category and the circumstances.

You can also arrange an online legal consultation.

Frequently asked questions about Romanian gambling law

Is an ONJN licence enough to open a gambling venue?

No. The operating authorisation, premises requirements and local authorisation rules applicable in 2026 must also be checked. Existing operators should consider the transitional provisions in Government Emergency Ordinance No. 7/2026.

Can a foreign company operate gambling services in Romania?

Yes, subject to eligibility, the required Romanian structure, licensing and authorisation. Holding a foreign licence does not automatically permit a business to accept players from Romania.

Does every supplier need a Class II licence?

The company name or contract label is not enough to answer this. The actual services must be assessed against the activities for which Romanian law requires Class II licensing.

How much does gambling licensing cost?

The cost depends on the activity, statutory fees, guarantees, contributions and any local obligations. Lawyers' fees are separate. A meaningful estimate requires a defined business model.

Can an ONJN sanction be challenged?

The available procedure and deadline depend on the act served. If you are a player fined for participating on an unlicensed website, see the separate page on challenging ONJN fines imposed on players.

Which documents should I prepare?

Bring the project description and company details, together with any licences, authorisations, agreements and official correspondence. For a dispute, identify the date on which you received the relevant act immediately.

Legal sources

This page reflects the legal framework consulted on 18 October 2026. Its application depends on the activity, the documents and, for physical premises, local regulations. The official sources below are in Romanian.

• Government Emergency Ordinance No. 77/2009 on the organisation and operation of gambling, consolidated text.
• Government Decision No. 111/2016 — implementing rules.
• Government Emergency Ordinance No. 7/2026 — local authorisation and transitional rules.
• ONJN Order No. 79/2025 on self-exclusion.
• ONJN — gambling legislation.

Discuss the legal requirements of your project

Contact Alina Szilaghi Law Office to assess your circumstances and agree the next steps.

Request a consultation · +40 746 652 986 · alina@szilaghi.com