Romania’s gambling sector is built on a two-tier licensing regime. Class I licences authorise operators that offer games of chance directly to players (online or land-based).

Class II licences regulate the ecosystem of business-to-business (B2B) suppliers whose technology and services make those games possible. These licences cover a wide range of providers – from software developers and hosting companies to payment processors, auditing laboratories and affiliates – and are overseen by the National Gambling Office (Oficiul Naţional pentru Jocuri de Noroc, ONJN).

In recent years, Romanian lawmakers have enhanced the Class II licensing framework to improve player protection and curb unlicensed gambling activities. This guide provides a professional analysis of the regulatory landscape, eligibility requirements, application process and compliance obligations for Class II licensees. It integrates recent legislative amendments and contrasts the options for resident and non-resident providers.

Gambling in Romania is primarily governed by Government Emergency Ordinance no. 77/2009 and the implementing Government Decision no. 111/2016. These texts create the dual licensing system and empower the ONJN to issue licences, monitor compliance and impose penalties. Amendments adopted between 2023 and 2025 increased licence taxes and introduced mandatory social-responsibility contributions; they also gave ONJN greater powers to control the black market by restricting the activities of B2B suppliers.

Under Romanian law, a Class II licence confers a ten-year right to provide ancillary services to Class I operators. Licensees must nonetheless pay annual licence taxes and social-responsibility contributions to keep the licence in force. The ONJN may suspend or revoke a Class II licence for non-payment of taxes, technical non-compliance or providing services to unlicensed operators.

Any entity that supports gambling operations must obtain a Class II licence before contracting with Romanian operators. The following categories fall under the regime:

• Software and platform providers – developers of random-number generators (RNGs), casino platforms, sports-betting systems and other games of chance.
• Hosting and data-centre services – companies offering cloud infrastructure or data replication for gambling platforms.
• Streaming and live-casino providers – businesses streaming live dealer tables to online casinos.
• Certification laboratories and auditors – testing houses that verify the fairness and security of games and systems.
• Payment processors and e-wallets – financial intermediaries handling player deposits and withdrawals.
• Marketing affiliates and advertising networks – entities that promote licensed operators through affiliate programmes.
• Manufacturers and distributors of gaming equipment – suppliers of slot machines and other gaming hardware used in land-based venues.

Romanian law requires all player payments to be processed via Class II-licensed payment providers, and player funds must be held in Romanian bank accounts. These requirements are intended to combat money laundering and ensure that player balances are segregated from operator funds.

Companies wishing to provide B2B services can either incorporate a Romanian-registered company or apply for a licence as a non-resident provider. 

The choice between resident and non-resident structures depends on the applicant’s long-term strategy. Businesses planning extensive operations in Romania often opt for a local subsidiary, while those seeking limited exposure may prefer the non-resident model.

4.1 Annual renewals and payments

Although the licence term is ten years, annual payments of the licence tax and social-responsibility contribution are mandatory. Failure to pay on time can result in immediate suspension or revocation of the licence. Licensees should maintain strong liquidity and schedule payments well in advance.

4.2 Record-keeping and audits

Licensees must keep transaction logs, client contracts, AML/KYC reports and technical documentation for at least five years. ONJN conducts both scheduled and surprise audits; inadequate record-keeping can lead to fines or licence suspension. Providers should conduct internal audits regularly and update documentation after major system changes.

4.3 Operational risks

• Serving unlicensed operators – Engaging with unlicensed or offshore operators can lead to sanctions, including licence revocation. Conduct thorough due diligence on each client and implement geo-blocking where necessary.
• Insufficient capital – The annual tax and contributions must be paid regardless of revenue. Companies should maintain sufficient reserves and secure guarantees where required.
• Non-compliance with technical standards – Failing to maintain certified software and secure hosting can cause suspension. Providers should schedule recertification of RNGs and platform updates in advance.
• Poor internal compliance – Without dedicated compliance officers and regular AML/KYC training, companies risk fines and reputational damage.

Despite stringent obligations, a Class II licence offers considerable advantages:

• Access to a rapidly expanding market – Romania’s gambling market has grown steadily since liberalisation, with online wagering expected to approach €1 billion by 2029. Licensed B2B providers benefit from a wide customer base and the credibility of a regulated environment.
• Long-term certainty – Licences are valid for ten years, providing stability for investment planning, while annual fees remain predictable.
• Enhanced credibility and cross-border recognition – A Class II licence signals compliance with EU-level standards. This facilitates partnerships with international operators and may simplify licensing in other jurisdictions.
• Competitive differentiation – Suppliers who invest in certified software, robust AML/KYC programmes and geo-blocking measures position themselves as trustworthy partners. In contrast, non-compliant providers risk exclusion from the market.

The Romanian Class II regime is evolving rapidly. By 2025–2026, the combination of higher taxes, social-responsibility contributions and new prohibitions on serving unlicensed operators has raised the compliance bar. At the same time, Romania’s regulated market offers substantial commercial opportunities for software developers, payment processors, affiliates and testing laboratories.

Securing and maintaining a Class II licence requires careful planning, comprehensive documentation and robust compliance systems. Applicants must choose between resident and non-resident structures, invest in AML/KYC and data-hosting infrastructure, budget for recurring fees and adapt to emerging requirements such as geo-blocking and centralised self-exclusion.

BMA Legal specialises in Romanian gambling law and offers end-to-end support for B2B suppliers. Our team can help you assess eligibility, prepare application files, liaise with ONJN, implement technical and AML controls and respond to regulatory audits.

Contact BMA Legal today for tailored support on obtaining or renewing a Class II gambling licence in Romania.