The government of Romania has made clear again its intention to enforce increased licensing charges and more stringent operating requirements on operators in the gambling sector.
Based on the Finance Ministry‘s newly unveiled drafts of emergency ordinances aimed at tightening restrictions on gambling practices, the sale of alcohol will be outlawed in gambling venues, with the only exception being casinos.
The same emergency decrees, which were forwarded to the Parliament members for further deliberation and voting throughout the month, indicate that all gambling license holders must have a residence in the country and must fulfill their tax obligations there.
Fees Newly Declared
In accordance with data from the Romanian National Gaming Office (ONJN), as of January 1, 2025, all licensed gambling establishments will need to set aside a minimum of €1 million ($1.05 million) for licensing requirements, irrespective of their earnings.
The annual licensing charges will be pegged at €200,000 ($210,000) for lottery games and fixed odds bets, €150,000 ($157,800) for slot-machine games, TV network-based bingo games, counter bets, and casino-style gambling, €65,000 ($68,400) for pari-mutuel betting, €25,000 ($26,300) for poker club games, and €15,000 ($15,780) for bingo games conducted in specialized gaming halls.
Traditional casinos and large-scale retail gaming operators will need to pay individual licensing fees that will be established based on their annual turnover.
The Finance Ministry also requested enhanced tax collection enforcement on establishments, requiring operators to remit their taxes to the ONJN within five business days following the subsequent month of collection. In August, ONJN annulled Betting Frenzy‘s license due to $704,000 in outstanding gambling taxes.
The Requirement for Problem Gambling Treatment and Prevention Schemes
Marcel Bolos, The Finance Minister of the nation, also addressed the grim reality behind the large number of gambling addicts, with many tales representing “suffering, shattered hopes, and disrupted families.”
Bolos pointed out the government’s duty to safeguard the welfare of each citizen, hence justifying the need for revenues to be accrued in the collective interest of the citizens, and not solely for “the advantage of privileged individuals or groups.”
The minister further added that a portion of the money will be allocated for the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction, reaching a “specially allocated fund” that will support initiatives and programs targeting these objectives.
The same proposal recommended more severe restrictions on gambling advertisement, including a prohibition on “unwanted online advertisements” and promotional campaigns for betting incentives like jackpots, bonuses, and special offers.
In early September, Romania’s Senate approved a draft bill requesting alterations and additional limitations to be imposed on street gambling and betting establishments.
