Uplatform explains in eight steps Why Romania Should Be Your Next iGaming Expansion

Looking to grow your iGaming business in a regulated European market with major upside potential? Your next big move could be Romania.

Over the past decade, Romania has quietly become a preferred destination for iGaming operators aiming to expand in the EU. Thanks to a simplified licensing process, a growing digital-savvy population, and a favorable tax regime, Romania offers a powerful mix of opportunity and regulation. But success doesn’t come automatically—operators need to understand the local framework and take the right steps to enter legally and competitively.

Why Romania Is a Hotspot for iGaming in 2025

Romania, with a population of 19 million and high mobile and internet penetration, has emerged as a fast-growing iGaming market in Europe. While the country’s gambling regulation began in 2015, a massive surge came during UEFA Euro 2021, when online betting spiked by 90%—a growth trend that has continued since.

The market was valued at €752.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly €1 billion by 2029, growing at a 5.6% CAGR.

Key advantages include:

EU membership offering legal clarity and investor confidence

Transparent licensing system via ONJN (Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc)

Widespread use of smartphones and fast internet

Strong local interest in betting, casinos, lotteries, and poker

Lower tax pressure compared to Western Europe

Step-by-Step: How to Launch Your iGaming Business in Romania

Step 1: Understand ONJN Regulations

ONJN is the national authority overseeing all gambling activity in Romania. They issue three types of licenses:

Class I: For online gambling operators

Class II: For suppliers (payment processors, affiliates, software, labs)

Class III: For the state lottery

Licenses are valid for 10 years, but operators must meet strict compliance and annual reporting requirements.

Step 2: Set Up a Local Presence

To obtain a Class I license, you must:

Register a Romanian entity or open a local branch

Appoint a local tax representative

Register with the Romanian Trade Register

Open a Romanian bank account

Host data and backup servers within the EU/EEA (Romania preferred)

Estimated setup time: 4–8 weeks. Using a local legal/licensing firm can speed up the process significantly.

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your ONJN Application

ONJN requires a fully compliant documentation package, including:

Company incorporation and ownership documents

Full UBO disclosure in line with AML standards

Proof of at least €500,000 in available capital (for Class I applicants)

RNG/game certification from ONJN-approved labs (e.g., GLI, iTech Labs)

Responsible gambling measures (e.g., self-exclusion, deposit limits)

Hosting and backup infrastructure details

Important: All third-party providers must hold a valid Class II ONJN license.

Step 4: Choose a Compliant Platform

Your iGaming platform must meet ONJN’s technical standards and support:

Full Romanian language integration

Local payment options, including:

Visa/Mastercard

Paysafecard

Skrill/Neteller

SEPA bank transfers

Mobile payments

Strong AML, security, and traceability features

Step 5: Secure Licensed Payment Providers

Only ONJN-approved PSPs can process gambling transactions. Ensure all payment flows are monitored, secure, and legally compliant.

Step 6: Localize Your Offering and Marketing

Success in Romania isn’t just about translation—it’s about cultural fit. Effective localization includes:

Fully translated Romanian website and support

Local bonus campaigns (e.g., Dragobete, major sports events)

ONJN-compliant affiliate programs (Class II required)

Ethical advertising (no ads targeting minors or using misleading claims)

Avoid: Unlicensed media buying, generic international promos, or ignoring local player behaviors.

Step 7: Know the Tax Landscape

Romania offers a relatively business-friendly tax system:

16% corporate tax

1–3% monthly GGR tax for operators (Class I)

Class II providers are exempt from GGR tax

Additional licensing, supervision, and reporting costs apply

Work with a local tax consultant to stay fully aligned and avoid penalties.

Step 8: Stay Compliant Post-Launch

ONJN actively monitors licensed operators. To maintain your license, you must:

Report real-time data to ONJN

Use certified RNG and approved game content

Maintain strict KYC/AML policies

Offer responsible gaming tools (self-exclusion, deposit/time limits)

Track affiliate performance and advertising

TL;DR – Romania Is Open. Are You Ready?

Romania is one of the most promising regulated iGaming markets in the EU. With a clear legal structure, low taxation, and high digital penetration, it offers serious operators a real chance to scale.

But success requires:

Strong local infrastructure

ONJN-compliant tech and payment systems

Cultural adaptation and smart marketing

Ironclad compliance procedures

With the right partners, Romania isn’t just a good opportunity—it’s a great one.