Romanian Municipalities Seek Greater Local Authority Over Gambling Regulation
Shift in Gambling Regulation Toward Local Governments in Romania
In Romania, a new legislative proposal is gaining traction that aims to transfer far more control over gambling regulation from the national level to local municipal authorities. The draft law, championed by several city mayors, suggests that local governments would oversee licensing for gambling businesses and could impose new taxes linked to gambling activities. This change would reduce the current dominant role of the National Gambling Office (ONJN) in this sector.
Empowering Municipalities to Regulate Gambling According to Local Needs
The bill, introduced by the Ministry of Development, would grant municipalities the power to approve or prohibit gambling venues within their boundaries. Decisions would be based on factors such as local urban development plans, public safety concerns, and community health priorities. At present, licensing and regulation of gambling operators are handled nationally, with local councils only providing advisory input concerning physical gambling location approvals.
Romania’s push for enhanced regional oversight comes amid stronger national efforts to regulate the gambling market more strictly. During 2025, authorities have actively worked alongside international firms to clamp down on illegal gambling activities. For example, Romanian officials requested major tech companies to block unauthorized gambling advertising to protect consumers from illicit operations.
The movement to increase local authority is led by Nelu Popa, the mayor of Reșița, who criticizes the current system’s inability to enforce regulations effectively. According to Popa, the lax enforcement by the ONJN has allowed a proliferation of betting shops and gaming halls where operators frequently disregard established rules.
Unlicensed gambling providers have also proliferated in the online gambling space, targeting Romanian players without official permission. To combat this, the ONJN recently blacklisted 30 online gambling websites to curb unauthorized market activity.
Introduction of New Local Taxes to Address Social Concerns
The proposed legislation also includes provisions for new gambling-related taxes imposed at the municipal level. Local governments aim to implement direct levies to generate funds to alleviate the social impacts commonly associated with gambling operations.
The Ministry of Development emphasizes that the reform would facilitate authentic public oversight of an industry with considerable social risks, allowing regulatory approaches tailored to the specific circumstances of each community. Securing adequate resources for social welfare programs, public safety, and essential local services is a key objective of the reform.
This push toward local taxation accompanies recent changes at the national level, where tax rates on online gambling have been adjusted based on game types and player winnings. These efforts align with broader government strategies aimed at addressing a significant budget shortfall, estimated at around 30 billion lei (approximately $7.1 billion).
