The Romanian Association of Slot Machine Operators (Romslot) has reported that the sector is undergoing contraction in real terms. Drawing on data from Romania’s National Gambling Office (ONJN), Romslot stated that nominal annual revenue per slot machine increased from €20,433 in 2019 to approximately €30,000 in 2024.
Meanwhile, adjusted for inflation and rising operating costs, this translates to a decline in real revenue per machine.
The association argues that inflationary pressures and rising operating costs substantially alter the broader financial picture. It highlighted that during the same period, Romania experienced cumulative inflation of more than 55%.
Operators also faced a 78% increase in the gross minimum wage, alongside significantly higher electricity costs, retail rent increases of between 30% and 50%, and repeated hikes in gambling-specific taxation.
As ever on Global Gaming Insider, it is worth pointing out the source of this opinion. While the claims may hold merit, the research and data were produced by the Romslot association and reflect its industry perspective and interests
According to Romslot, when revenues are recalculated in Euro terms against 2019 levels and adjusted for inflationary pressures, real revenue per machine has declined rather than increased.
Romslot states that these figures are not the only indicators challenging the narrative of market growth. According to the association, the number of slot machines operating in Romania fell by 44% between 2023 and 2025, declining from 80,000 units to approximately 45,000.
During the same period, nominal market turnover reportedly dropped by 40%, from €2bn to €1.2bn. Once adjusted for inflation and monetary expansion, the association estimates that the sector’s real decline exceeds 60%.
The comments come amid ongoing debate surrounding Romania’s Emergency Ordinance 7/2026, with the association arguing that recent regulatory measures are accelerating an industry downturn already in progress rather than limiting market expansion as portrayed by the authorities.
The Ordinance 7/2026 entered into force on 25 February 2026. It introduced a requirement for local council approval for slot machine licences, in addition to the national licence issued by the regulator. In practice, this means that municipalities can effectively ban gambling venues.
Each Romanian local council can set an annual local tax and determine whether slot machines are allowed
