Romania has recently enacted comprehensive regulatory reforms aimed at business-to-business (B2B) providers within the gambling industry. These new rules are designed to address existing compliance gaps, clearly delineate responsibilities for technology and service providers, and ensure better oversight of both licensed and unlicensed operators. The revised legal framework is set to come into force in December 2025.
A key feature of the new legislation is the introduction of a combined assessment test to determine when B2B services are facilitating unlicensed gambling activities in Romania. Under the updated guidelines, liability is established only if all specific criteria are satisfied simultaneously. These include providing gambling content in Romanian, processing payments in Romanian currency or other accepted currencies, and granting access to Romanian players without a local license. This marks a shift from the previous standard, where any single condition could trigger liability. Consequently, providers are no longer automatically at risk when their services are used in international contexts beyond Romanian jurisdiction.
Licensed B2B operators now bear the responsibility of actively monitoring how their products are utilized within the market. They are also obliged to take measures to prevent access by unlicensed entities targeting Romanian consumers. Moreover, providers must report any instances of non-compliance to relevant authorities. Non-adherence to these obligations could lead to criminal charges, financial penalties, or other sanctions against companies.
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The recent regulatory updates also extend to payment processing and related services tied to online gambling. Payment processors and technical intermediaries are expected to cooperate with authorities by blocking transactions associated with unlicensed operators and assisting enforcement efforts. Starting from January 2026, all slot machines and video lottery terminals operating in Romania will be required to incorporate geolocation technology, enabling real-time monitoring by regulators.
This initiative aligns land-based gambling oversight with online regulation practices. Additionally, the law simplifies previous fiscal and residency requirements, making compliance easier for operators. These legislative moves come amid ongoing political discussions regarding the structure of gambling regulation in Romania, with further changes anticipated as authorities continue to review taxation policies, licensing procedures, and consumer protection measures across the sector.
