Gambling License in Romania

In recent years, Romania has emerged as one of the most attractive and dynamically developing iGaming markets in Eastern Europe. For international companies seeking to start opening a casino in Romania, the Romanian gambling license, issued by the National Gambling Office (ONJN), is a hallmark of quality and reliability. It not only grants access to the local market but also enhances trust among partners, players, and European payment systems.

Types of Gambling Licenses in Romania

Romanian legislation clearly categorizes licenses based on the type of activity. The main types of licenses for online gambling are:

• Class I License (B2C): Intended for operators who organize gambling activities and accept bets directly from players. This is the primary license for online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms targeting the Romanian market.
• Class II License (B2B): Mandatory for suppliers of products and services that work with licensed B2C operators in Romania.

The license application process

The process to get a Romanian gambling licence is structured, transparent, and typically takes around 2-3 months. The main stages include:

1. Preparatory stage: registering a company in Romania or, for foreign companies, obtaining a Romanian tax identification number (CIF). This step is mandatory for interacting with the regulator.
2. Document collection and submission: preparing a complete package of documents, including corporate papers, information on beneficiaries, technical documentation for the software, and a description of business processes. The package is submitted to the regulator (ONJN).
3. Application review: the regulator (ONJN) conducts a detailed review of the submitted documents, including due diligence on directors and shareholders, as well as a technical audit.
4. License issuance: upon successful completion of all checks and payment of the necessary fees, the ONJN issues the gambling license in Romania.

Key Requirements for Applicants

The regulator imposes strict requirements on license candidates:

• Reputation and Experience: directors and shareholders must have an impeccable reputation, a clean criminal record, and not be on any sanctions lists. Proven experience in the gambling industry is also required.
• Technical Documentation: it is necessary to provide proof of copyright for the software being used, as well as certificates of conformity (e.g., RNG).
• Policies and Procedures: the company must develop and implement internal policies, including AML/KYC, data protection, game rules, and risk management.
• Financial Reporting: an annual audit of the financial statements is mandatory.

Financial and Tax Obligations

A key question for investors is, how much is a casino in Romania? The cost depends on the license type and includes several fees and taxes.

Financial Obligations (B2B License):

• Regulatory Fee: €4,135
• Administrative Fee for Issuance: €10,500
• Annual License Fee: €20,000
• Annual Contribution to the Responsible Gambling Fund: €15,000

Thus, the total cost to obtain the license is approximately €49,635.

Financial Obligations (B2C License):

• Depending on the project type, the total minimum annual regulatory fees for a Class I (B2C) license in Romania range from €550,000 to €700,000.
• This amount is composed of three main payments:
  • The annual license fee (depends on the activity type).
  • The minimum authorization fee (€400,000 for online gambling).

Taxation:

• Corporate Income Tax: the standard rate for Romanian companies is 16%. Preferential rates apply to micro-enterprises (with a turnover of up to €500,000).
• Key Advantage: a company registered in another EU country with no physical presence in Romania is exempt from paying corporate tax in Romania. This is a major benefit of the Romania gambling license.
• Dividend Tax: the standard rate is 8%.
• VAT: the standard rate is 19%.

License validity

• Class I License (B2C): the primary license is valid for 10 years, but operators are required to obtain an annual authorization to conduct gambling activities. In essence, this is an annual confirmation of compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Class II License (B2B): the license for service providers is valid for 10 years, contingent on the timely payment of annual fees.

Liability for legislative violations

The National Gambling Office (ONJN) strictly monitors compliance with the law. Violations can lead to severe penalties, including:

• Substantial fines.
• Suspension of the license.
• Full revocation of the license.
• Blacklisting the operator and its directors, making further work in the market impossible.

Conclusion

The Romanian gambling license is a reliable and prestigious tool for entering the regulated European Union market. However, the licensing process requires in-depth knowledge of local legislation, meticulous document preparation, and professional interaction with the regulator. To avoid errors and delays, it is crucial to secure the support of experienced lawyers.

The team at SBSB Fintech Lawyers has extensive experience in obtaining gambling licenses in various jurisdictions, including Romania. We will provide comprehensive support at all stages — from document preparation to the successful issuance of the license — allowing you to focus on developing your business.