Romania is no longer a growing igaming market; it is a regulated powerhouse in Eastern Europe. With a projected market value approaching €1 billion by 2029 and over 2.4 million active gamblers, the country offers a transparent, criteria-based licensing regime. Unlike protectionist jurisdictions, Romania welcomes EU-registered operators, provided they meet every technical, financial, and legal requirement. For iGamiq partners and operators, this guide delivers a compliance-first roadmap to launching a successful online casino in Romania under the National Gambling Office (ONJN).
Is Online Gambling Legal in Romania?
Absolutely. Online gambling has been fully legal and regulated since the 2009 legislative framework, later reinforced by technical norms in 2016 and ongoing updates through 2024-2025. The sole authority is the National Gambling Office (ONJN), which issues licences, monitors operations, and maintains a public blacklist of unauthorized domains. Unlicensed operation is a criminal offense, carrying heavy fines, confiscation of revenues, and even imprisonment.
Who Can Apply for a Romanian iGaming Licence?
Before starting an online casino in Romania, it is important to know about licencing system. Only companies registered in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland are eligible. Non-Romanian entities must establish a local branch or permanent establishment for tax purposes. Most foreign operators choose to form a Romanian subsidiary or appoint a local fiscal representative. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- Clean criminal records for all key personnel.
- Proven financial stability and bank guarantees.
- Technical documentation and certification from an ONJN-approved testing lab.
- Approved software stack and internal controls.
The application process typically takes two to four months, depending on documentation precision.
iGaming Licence Types in Romania: Class I (Operator) vs. Class II (Supplier)
Romania distinguishes between B2C operators and B2B service providers:
| Licence Type | Purpose | Annual Fee (2026) |
| Class I | Online casino, sportsbook, and poker operator | €300,000 |
| Class II | Platform provider, game supplier, payment processor, and affiliate | €20,000 |
Both licences are valid for 10 years but require annual renewal and fee payment. Lotteries remain a state monopoly (Class III).
Costs Estimate to Launch an Online Casino in Romania iGaming Market in 2026
Launching in Romania requires serious capital. Here is the latest fee structure:
| Cost Item | Amount |
| Documentation analysis fee | €3,500 (one-time) |
| Licence issuance fee | €10,500 (one-time) |
| Class I annual licence | €300,000 |
| Class II annual licence | €20,000 |
| GGR tax | 21% (minimum €400,000 payment) |
| Responsible Gambling Fund | €500,000 per year (operators) |
| Bank guarantee (casino) | €5,000,000 |
| Bank guarantee (betting) | €2,000,000 |
These figures exclude technical integration, staff, and marketing costs.
Technical & Compliance Requirements for Romanian Online Casinos
1. Local Mirror Server (Mandatory)
All gambling data, game logs, RNG output, betting records, and financial transactions must be replicated in real time on a mirror server physically located in Romania. This is non-negotiable for audit readiness.
2. Only ONJN-Certified Suppliers
You cannot work with global providers unless they hold a Romanian Class II licence. This applies to platforms, game studios, RNG providers, payment gateways, and even affiliate networks. Always verify a supplier’s status via the official ONJN registry. Example: The iGamiq Casino Platform, Game Aggregator, and Sportsbook are fully ONJN Class II certified.
3. KYC, AML & Responsible Gambling (RG)
Romanian compliance to start an online casino in Romania rests on 3 different pillars:
- KYC: Verify identity and age during registration and before withdrawals. Prevent duplicate accounts.
- AML: Monitor player behaviour, flag suspicious transactions, appoint an AML officer, and file SARs with Romania’s Financial Intelligence Unit.
- RG: Implement deposit limits (daily/weekly/monthly), self-exclusion tools, session messaging, and direct links to national addiction support services.
4. Security & Fair Play
Encrypt all sensitive data, use protected infrastructure, and deploy anti-fraud systems. RNG certification from an ONJN-approved lab is mandatory. Provably fair mechanisms, while not explicitly required, strongly demonstrate compliance.
Accepted Payment Methods: RON Only, No Crypto
As of 2026, cryptocurrency is not permitted for gambling payments in Romania. All transactions must be processed through ONJN Class II licensed Payment Service Providers (PSPs) and settled in Romanian Leu (RON). Approved payment methods include:
- Visa / Mastercard (via licensed PSPs like Nuvei, Paysafe)
- Skrill & Neteller
- Paysafecard
- Local solutions: MobilPay, SmartPay, Rapid Transfer
- Bank transfers to Romanian IBAN accounts
Player funds must be held in segregated RON bank accounts.
Marketing & Affiliate Strategy for Romania iGaming Platform
Affiliates must also hold a Class II licence. Operators are liable for their partners’ conduct, so strict vetting is essential. Commission models typically offer:
- Revenue share: 25 to 40%
- CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)
- Hybrid models
Google Ads is permitted only with Google certification and a valid ONJN licence. Ads must target 18+ users, include responsible gambling disclaimers, and avoid misleading language. Localized content in Romanian, focusing on keywords like “cazino online legal, bonusuri fără depunere,” and pariuri sportive, drives organic traffic. Top-performing promotions include matched deposit bonuses, free spins on retro-style slots, and free bets on football or tennis events.
Summary
If you are planning to start an online casino in Romania, it is crucial to know that Romania’s iGaming market is not for casual entrants. It demands precision: ONJN licensing, local mirror servers, certified suppliers, RON-denominated payments, and integrated KYC/AML/RG frameworks. However, for operators who meet these standards, the rewards are substantial: a mobile-first, digitally connected player base and a clear path to nearly €1 billion in GGR by 2029. With iGamiq, you can build on a compliant foundation, and Romania becomes a stable, scalable anchor in your European portfolio.
Contact us now and start your online casino journey in Romania with iGamiq. Ping us for a free consultation and discover how we can help you build a secure, scalable, and profitable online casino platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a non-EU company apply for a Romanian online casino licence?
No. Only companies incorporated in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland are eligible. Non-EU entities must first establish a legal presence in an eligible jurisdiction before applying.
2. How long does it take to get an ONJN licence?
The official processing time is typically two to four months, assuming all documentation is complete and technical requirements (including mirror server setup) are met.
3. Is cryptocurrency accepted for deposits or withdrawals in Romanian online casinos?
No. As of 2026, the ONJN does not permit any crypto transactions (deposits, withdrawals, or in-game) within licensed operations. All payments must be in RON via Class II licensed PSPs.
4. Do affiliates need a licence to promote Romanian online casinos?
Yes. Affiliates must obtain an ONJN Class II licence. Operators are responsible for ensuring their affiliate partners are licensed and compliant.
5. What is the minimum bank guarantee required for an online casino licence?
From 2025 onward, the minimum financial guarantee for an online casino is €5,000,000. For online betting (sportsbook), it is €2,000,000. These guarantees are separate from annual licence fees.
