TABLE OF CONTENTS
Struggling to enter Romania’s booming online betting market amid complex regulations and heavy competition? High licensing hurdles, strict ONJN oversight, and rising tech demands overwhelm new operators. It risks costly delays and compliance issues in a space growing at a increasing rate. This blog provides an overview of Romania’s rapidly growing online betting market, with increased internet penetration and sports betting dominating revenues. It also tells why Romania stands out as Europe’s most attractive regulated market and exactly what operators need to grasp for 2026 success, from licensing to platform setups.
Understanding the Romanian Gambling Market
Romania's gambling boom: The gambling market is leading the growth and has reached $3.55 billion in 2025.
Casino Games: The casino industry has reached a volume of $2.00 Billion in 2025.
CAGR: Revenue is expected to grow at 1.26% between 2025 and 2030.
Top players: Exposure to internet access and mobile phones among young adults is fueling the trend. It is also leading to a digital shift, reducing the offline venue gambling activities.
Money outlook: Revenue keeps growing steadily, and it can be a big opportunity for operators who follow the ONJN rules.
Regulatory Authority
Let’s understand the role of ONJN and the importance of acquiring a license in Romania.
1. The ONJN, or National Gambling Office, runs everything, where they oversee all operations, issue licenses and set the legal requirements for sportsbook Romania.
2. It is crucial to abide by the Government Ordinance No. 77/2009, which keeps everything legal and fair for the gambling industry.
3. Operators cannot operate in Romania without acquiring their stamp, leading to violations and heavy fines.
4. Legal licensing builds trust, protects players, and unlocks banking ties.
5. ONJN audits platforms rigorously, ensuring the market is clean and free from fraud and risks.
Legal Requirements for Starting a Betting Business in Romania
Below are the legal requirements for successfully starting a sportsbook business in Romania
Types of Gambling Licenses
Here are the three main licenses issued by ONJN to the operators for different gambling operations.
Key Licensing Requirements
- Company registration in the EU/EEA: Operators need to sign up as a permanent business in Romania or somewhere in the EU/EEA. Also, you require someone to handle taxes and rules there, as it depicts that you are completely following the local laws.
- Financial guarantees and capital requirements: According to the new rules, you must save huge cash, like $2.2 million for online sports betting or $5.5 million for online casinos. This money stays secure, which can cover taxes, player wins, and keep handling any ongoing issues.
- Technical certification and platform audits: It is crucial to get your site tested and acquire certifications that confirm safety, financials and fairness before taking it to government officials.
Taxation Structure
- Gaming tax: Companies are required to pay the cut from their profit after they have paid players. It is mostly for slots and bets, but may vary according to game type.
- Monthly revenue tax: As per the Aug 2025 Romanian gambling rules, 30% tax is imposed on monthly gross gaming revenue(amount left after paying players for their wins) for betting operators.
- Player winnings taxation: Taxes are imposed and deducted by operators automatically before paying players. 4% flat rate on winnings up to $2000, $80 fixed + 20% on winnings between $2000 to $13,500 and over this amount $2,470 + 40%.
Step‑By‑Step Guide to Starting a Betting Business in Romania
Step 1: Conduct Market Research
- Competitor analysis: Analyze other other betting sites to see what they do well, like their offerings or user benefits, and weaknesses to offer better stand out.
- Identifying target audience: Identify your players, whether youngsters or casual bettors. Define the checking age groups, their favorite games, and betting habits, so you can build features they would love and trust.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Model
- Online sportsbook: Focus on sports bets for multiple sports, offer live odds and quick payouts to pull in fans who are into real games and quick action.
- Online casino: Build slots, tables, and card games with amazing fun themes and add big jackpots to attract players by offering luck-based outcomes.
- Hybrid betting platform: Integrated sports and casino options in a single platform for players who want to switch between match bets and slot spins, for increased engagement and loyalty.
Step 3: Obtain the Required ONJN License
- Documentation: Gather all documents like company papers, financial proofs, game testing certification, and safety tools to successfully acquire a license.
- Application process: Submit everything in the gambling office, pay fees, and answer questions during reviews to prove your setup works properly.
- Approval timeline: Wait 3 to 6 months as they verify and check everything to issue a green light for your business.
Step 4: Select a Reliable Sportsbook Software Provider
- Turnkey vs white label: Choose a provider that offers both. Turnkey gives a ready-to-go site with flexible customization however white label is also ready-to-launch yet comes with brand-specific customization.
- Essential features to look for: Pick software with live betting, mobile apps, safe logins, and easy stats to keep players happy and coming back.
- Integration capabilities: Choose tools that link payments, games, and checks smoothly so your site runs fast without glitches or slow spots.
Step 5: Set Up Secure Payment Methods
- Local payment options: Add easy ways like mobile bills, bank links, or card taps that locals trust for quick adds and cashouts without hassle.
- Crypto-friendly options: Offer digital coins if rules allow, for fast global moves and privacy-loving players who want extra speed.
- AML/KYC compliance: Use ID scans and money watches to block bad actors, keeping funds clean and your site safe from rule breakers.
Step 6: Build a Strong Risk Management & Compliance Framework
- Fraud detection: Set alerts for odd bets or fake accounts to catch cheats early and protect real players’ money.
- Player verification: Check ages and IDs at sign-up to stop kids and ensure only grown-ups play by the rules.
- Responsible gambling tools: Add time locks, spend caps, and help links so players stay safe and fun doesn’t turn into trouble.
Step 7: Launch & Promote Your Betting Platform
- SEO and content marketing: Write tips and guides that show up in searches to draw free traffic from curious new bettors.
- Affiliate partnerships: Team with promoters who share your links for commissions, spreading the word to their fans safely.
- Local advertising rules: Follow ad laws with clear messages and no tricks, using TV, web, or events to reach grown players right.
Essential Features of a Successful Romanian Betting Platform
Successful platforms in Romania prioritize features that match local player habits and ONJN rules, ensuring smooth operations and high retention.
Multi-language Support (Romanian + English)
Romanian leads as the primary language to connect with local players, while English handles international traffic—vital for 88% internet users who expect seamless switches. This boosts accessibility and trust, cutting bounce rates significantly.
Mobile-first UI/UX
With mobile bets driving most action, responsive designs load fast on Androids and iOS, featuring intuitive menus for quick soccer wagers. Touch-friendly layouts and app-like speed capture the 70% mobile audience craving frictionless play.
Real-time Odds and Live Betting
Feeds from providers like Betradar deliver live odds updates every second, powering in-play bets on football and tennis that dominate 50% of revenues. Cash-out options and streaming keep players glued during matches.
Player Account Management
PAM systems handle deposits, bets, and withdrawals in RON/EUR/USD, with KYC baked in for ONJN compliance. Self-service tools like limits and history empower users, reducing support tickets.
CRM and Loyalty Programs
CRM tracks behaviors to push personalized bonuses, while tiered VIP rewards—free bets, cashback—lock in high-rollers. Automated emails and segmentation lift retention amid fierce competition.
Reporting and Analytics Dashboard
Real-time dashboards monitor GGR, player trends, and fraud risks, feeding ONJN reports effortlessly. AI insights spot hot markets, optimizing odds and promos for profit.
Challenges of Starting a Betting Business in Romania
1. Strict Regulatory Environment
- 1. ONJN enforces tough rules on every operator, requiring detailed platform audits, financial guarantees over $130,000, and constant compliance checks.
- 2. Delays hit 45-60 days for approvals, with rejections common for minor tech or ownership issues.
- 3. New businesses struggle to navigate these barriers without expert local guidance.
2. High Competition
- 1. Over 20 major sportsbooks like Superbet control nearly 50% of revenues in soccer and tennis betting.
- 2. Ad restrictions limit visibility, forcing heavy spending on SEO and affiliates to grab market share from entrenched players.
- 3. Rookies face slim margins in this crowded, player-loyal field.
3. Compliance and Taxation Complexities
- 1. GGR taxes at 16-23% come with $130,000 annual minimums, plus endless AML/KYC reporting and responsible gambling fees.
- 2. Platform certs, player verifs, and fraud tools demand ongoing investment, with fines looming for slip-ups.
- 3. These layers overwhelm startups without robust frameworks.
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Benefits of Launching a Betting Business in Romania
Stable and regulated market: ONJN creates predictable rules that cut black market risks, ease banking, and build player trust for smooth, long-term operations.
High player engagement: Football and tennis fans bet often on live events, driving daily logins, longer sessions, and steady wager volumes.
Strong digital adoption: Smartphones and fast internet favor mobile apps, letting operators reach young urban players with low-cost, instant access.
- Clear licensing framework: Defined ONJN steps like Class I apps speed approvals, freeing focus for growth over compliance
Future of the Romanian iGaming Market
Romania’s iGaming sector heads toward exciting changes driven by tech and player habits, creating fresh opportunities for operators ready to adapt.
Growth of Mobile Betting
Smartphones rule daily bets, letting users wager on matches anytime without desktop limits.
App-first designs speed live action, pulling in young players who demand quick, touch-friendly access.
Increasing Adoption of AI and Automation
AI personalizes odds and recommendations, keeping players hooked with tailored game suggestions.
Automation handles fraud checks, support chats, and reports, cutting costs while lifting efficiency.
Potential Expansion of Online Casino Regulations
Looser rules could greenlight more slots, live dealers, and features to mix with sportsbooks.
Expanded options draw casual crowds, blending casino thrills with Romania’s football betting passion.
Conclusion
To start a betting business in Romania, follow simple steps: research the market, get your ONJN Class I license, choose good sportsbook software, add safe payments, set up compliance rules, and launch with smart ads.
Staying compliant matters a lot—ONJN checks everything closely with audits, ID checks, and taxes. Pick the right tech partner, like a turnkey provider, to handle certifications, growth, and tools without headaches or fines.
New operators, jump in quick to this lively market: focus on legal basics, use expert help, and build mobile-friendly sites to win over excited players and grow strong.
How can Gammastack help you open a sportsbook Business in Romania?
GammaStack is a renowned and reputable sportsbook business provider which offers end-to-end betting platform development. With a global reach and 14+ years of experience, GammaStack has created plenty of feature-rich, licensed and fully integrated platforms for the industry operators. If you have no clue how to start a sports betting business in Romania, GammaStack is the right place for you.
There are no stones that are left unturned by the team of 100+ professionals who continuously work to deliver the requirements of the business operators. Get constant customer support, bespoke solutions, full legal compliance, omnichannel compatibility, as well as risk management tools for a successful business set-up.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Yes, betting and gambling have been legal in Romania since 2015. The National Gambling Office (ONJN) oversees the industry, ensuring regulation through mandatory licensing.
No fixed timeline exists, as it varies based on project complexity and specific choices made by the operator.
Key features of a versatile sportsbook include
- 1. Player Account Management (PAM) system
- 2. Live odds
- 3. Bonus management
- 4. CRM tools
- 5. Responsible gambling features
- 6. Multi-language and multi-currency support.
How do you launch a sports betting business in Romania? Navigating a betting business setup in Romania can feel overwhelming solo, but partnering with an experienced software provider simplifies it—delivering a complete platform with seamless integrations, user-friendly designs, and more.