The Romanian Federation of Gambling Operators (Fedbet) has warned that Romania’s gambling industry is facing growing problems linked to over-regulation and legal uncertainty. According to the association, the situation has already resulted in the closure of one third of gambling halls across the country.
Speaking during a recent debate in Bucharest on the future of gambling regulation in Romania, Fedbet President Alexandru Domșa said operators are dealing with rising taxes and ongoing legal uncertainty.
The event brought together public authorities, gambling industry representatives and experts for an open discussion on the social and economic impact of banning gambling in cities.
Domșa noted that within six months the industry had faced a tax increase of around 30%, alongside a mandatory local authorisation process introduced through an Emergency Ordinance No. 7/2026 issued at the end of February 2026.
With this ordinance, the Government transferred gambling hall licensing powers to local authorities, allowing councils to decide whether venues are permitted and set annual local taxes. According to Domșa, the ordinance failed to establish a transitional period, creating a legislative vacuum.
As always on Global Gaming Insider, it is important to note the source of these views. While the concerns raised may well be valid, the arguments come from industry trade associations and naturally reflect their interests
The local authorisation requirement imposed on operators came into force immediately after publication in the Official Gazette, while local authorities were given a non-binding 60-day period to introduce the regulations needed for operators to apply.
According to Domșa, this created a situation where operators were legally required to comply with rules before the necessary local procedures were even in place.
Domșa stated: “About one third of venues nationwide have already closed because operators must maintain a minimum number of machines to remain legally compliant, otherwise their licence is revoked.”
The absence of a transitional period is not the only challenge facing the slot sector. Following the ordinance, a number of municipalities have moved to ban gambling halls altogether, placing further pressure on operators.
Meanwhile, Association of Remote Gambling Organizers (AOJND) President Odeta Nestor raised concerns that restrictions currently affecting Romania’s retail gambling sector could soon extend to online gambling.
Speaking at the debate, she criticised what she described as incoherent public policy and warned that excessive restrictions risk fuelling the black market.
The Romslot association warned that the recent Government collapse and political instability in Romania could impact regulatory predictability
