Romania Casino Guide
Getting Started
As an EU country, you would imagine that all forms of gambling are legal in Romania. You’d be right to assume so. However, Romania takes the regulation of online casinos rather seriously, and they have more than a few stipulations concerning where you can play and when. Fortunately, our team is here to help navigate you through these.
Betting online in Romania is a lot easier for Romanians than some players have it in their own EU countries. However, you still need to be mindful of things such as licensing and website blocks. Let’s explain what we mean by looking at Romania’s gambling laws and regulations next.
Romania’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
It is legal to bet in Romania, both online and offline. Romania’s Government Emergency Ordinance No. 77/2009 (on the Organisation and Operation of Gambling Activities) established that gambling in land-based venues was legal in the EU member state. Furthermore, amendments made in 2013 were made to ensure that the country’s couple of hundred slot halls were fully licensed and regulated.
Online gambling is also legal in Romania and has been since 2010. The Romanian government doesn’t limit the types of operators who can apply for a license (they don’t have to be Romanian, for instance) too much. However, they do crack down hard on unlicensed operators, with over 1,300 sites appearing on a dreaded blacklist. It would be impossible for Romania to fine offshore sites, and it is notoriously difficult to do so internationally. The blacklist is their alternative to that.
Romania operates this blacklist of casinos and sportsbooks that have been found catering to Romanians without the relevant license. This is quite an extensive list, and Romanian ISPs try to block access to these sites. A decent VPN will get you around those blocks. There are no punishments for playing at so-called offshore casinos for players, but casinos caught catering to Romanians illegally and that have been entered on the blacklist will not be allowed to apply for a gambling license – ever.
Who Regulates and Licenses Romanian Casino Sites?
The National Gambling Office licenses and regulates casino sites in Romania. To obtain a gambling license from the Romanian authorities, an operator must offer either lottery games, sports betting, casino games, poker, slot machines, bingo, keno, tombola, or other forms of gambling games. They must also be based in Romania, the EU, EEA or in Switzerland. Operators must also provide Romanians with suitable responsible gambling protections in line with those outlined in Romania’s gambling laws. They must also pay taxes to the state on their income.
Obviously, given the size of the population and the level of tax, only the major providers are eager to obtain Romanian gambling licenses. Many of the smaller sites tend not to bother. The result is that only twenty-five or so sites have acquired licenses. There are over 1,300 sites on the blacklist, as mentioned, which shows that Romania isn’t a huge market or draw for most casino and sportsbook operators.
Romania’s Most Popular Gambling Games
Romanians are free to gamble on seemingly all major forms of online betting. However, given the size of the blacklist, there are more games than sites to choose from. Romanians regularly bet on slot machines and table games. There are also plenty of live dealer titles out there that are not only streamed out of Romania but can actively be played in Romanian. They seldom accept the leu currency, though.
Arguably one of the more famous software providers to come out of Romania is GammaStack. They have even started to feature games from fledgeling providers alongside their own. There are also a handful of gambling app developers to come from the country, but these don’t tend to dabble in game development. Romanian casinos feature plenty of titles from non-Romanian software providers, though, so it Is not as though there is a shortage of games to play.
Who Can Play?
That depends on the type of casino we’re talking about. Romanian licensed online casinos can only accept players from the country. Of course, these are the casinos that support the RON currency and offer gameplay in Romanian. They will also support Romanian customer support options. However, as there are only twenty-five of these, you don’t have many options to choose from.
International casinos may also accept players from Romania. Many are blacklisted, but they can be reached with a VPN – especially cryptocurrency casinos. Some of these sites may accept the leu currency, but most Romanians choose to bet with euros or Bitcoin instead. Gameplay in Romanian is unlikely, as these sites also accept players based elsewhere.
Online Casino Payment Options
While the online casino industry in Romania is regulated, players have access to various payment methods exclusive to the country. These payment methods are tailored to Romanian users and provide them with a secure and convenient way to deposit and withdraw funds from online casinos. Here is a list of common payment methods used by Romanian players, split into different categories:
Credit / Debit Cards:
- Visa: Visa is a globally recognized credit and debit card provider, and it’s widely accepted by Romanian online casinos. The process of depositing and withdrawing funds using Visa cards is straightforward and secure.
- Mastercard: Mastercard is another widely used credit and debit card in Romania. Most online casinos operating in the country accept Mastercard for secure and quick transactions.
- Maestro: Maestro is a widely used debit card in Romania, owned by Mastercard. Many online casinos accept Maestro for both deposits and withdrawals, offering a secure and convenient option for Romanian players.
E-wallets:
- Neteller: Neteller is a popular e-wallet service in Romania, offering fast and secure online transactions. Many Romanian online casinos accept Neteller for deposits and withdrawals, providing players with an easy and efficient way to manage their funds.
- Skrill: Skrill, formerly known as Moneybookers, is another e-wallet option for Romanian players. It offers similar benefits to Neteller, allowing for quick and secure transactions with online casinos.
Local Bank Transfers:
- Rapid Transfer: Rapid Transfer is a secure and fast bank transfer service for Romanian players. It allows users to make direct transactions from their bank accounts to online casinos without the need for an e-wallet or credit card.
- Transfer Bancar Rapid (TBR): TBR is a Romanian bank transfer method that is widely accepted by online casinos in the country. It offers secure and efficient transactions directly from the player’s bank account.
Mobile Payment Solutions:
- Telekom Romania: Telekom Romania is a telecommunications provider that offers mobile payment solutions for online casinos. Romanian players can use this service to deposit funds into their casino accounts directly from their mobile phones, making it a convenient and secure option.
Cryptocurrency:
- Bitcoin: Bitcoin is a popular digital currency that has gained widespread acceptance in the online gambling industry. Many Romanian online casinos now accept Bitcoin as a payment method, providing a secure and anonymous way to deposit and withdraw funds.
- Ethereum: Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency that is accepted by some online casinos in Romania. It offers similar benefits to Bitcoin, such as security and anonymity, while also providing faster transaction speeds.
These payment methods are specifically tailored to Romanian players and are widely accepted by online casinos operating in the country. However, it’s essential to ensure that the chosen casino is properly licensed and regulated by the Romanian National Gambling Office (ONJN) to guarantee the safety and security of your funds and personal information.
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F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Romania?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Romania. The country has a regulated online gambling market, overseen by the National Gambling Office (ONJN). To operate legally, online casinos must obtain a license from ONJN. Romanian players can access both licensed local online casinos and offshore sites that accept Romanian players.
2. What are the popular payment methods for Romanian online casino players?
Romanian players can use various payment methods to deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos. Some popular options include credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. For more information on payment methods, visit our Payment Methods page.
3. Are winnings from online gambling taxable in Romania?
Yes, winnings from online gambling are subject to taxation in Romania. The tax rate depends on the amount won and ranges from 1% to 25%. It’s essential to report your gambling winnings and pay the appropriate taxes to avoid any legal issues.
4. How can I ensure I am playing at a safe and secure online casino in Romania?
To ensure you’re playing at a safe and secure online casino, verify that the casino is licensed by the Romanian National Gambling Office (ONJN) or another reputable licensing authority. Additionally, look for casinos that employ SSL encryption, have a transparent privacy policy, and offer games from well-known software providers. Our Safety and Security guide can provide you with more details.
5. Are live dealer games available for Romanian players?
Yes, live dealer games are available to Romanian players. These games offer an immersive experience, with real-time interaction between players and live dealers. You can find a variety of live dealer games, such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, at licensed online casinos. Learn more about live dealer games on our Live Dealers page.
6. Can I play online casino games on my mobile device in Romania?
Yes, you can play online casino games on your mobile device in Romania. Most online casinos offer mobile-optimized websites or dedicated apps, allowing you to access your favorite games on smartphones and tablets. Visit our Mobile Gaming guide for more information.
7. How do I know if an online casino offers fair games?
An online casino that offers fair games will have its software and games regularly audited by independent testing agencies, such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs. These agencies ensure that the games are random and fair. Look for their certification on the casino’s website. Our Software and Technology guide can provide additional insights.
8. What types of bonuses can I expect at Romanian online casinos?
At Romanian online casinos, you can expect various types of bonuses, such as welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses, free spins, reload bonuses, and cashback offers. To learn more about these bonuses and how to make the most of them, visit our Bonuses and Loyalty Programs guide.
9. What should I do if I encounter a problem while gambling online in Romania?
If you encounter a problem while gambling online, contact the casino’s customer support team. Reputable casinos offer multiple support channels, including live chat, email, and phone. Before contacting support, you can also check the casino’s FAQ section for possible solutions. For more information on getting assistance, visit our Customer Support guide.
10. Where can I find help if I have a gambling problem in Romania?
If you think you have a gambling problem or are worried about your gambling habits, seek help from professional organizations, such as Gamblers Anonymous Romania or the Romanian Responsible Gambling Association (RGA). They offer resources, support, and treatment for problem gambling. For more information on problem gambling and available resources, check our Problem Gambling guide.