Romania: Gambling activity declines in first four months of 2026

The Romanian Association of Slot Machine Operators (Romslot) has stated that recent data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) indicate a 15% decline in gambling and related recreational activities for the first four months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.

Furthermore, the drop was most noticeable in April 2026, a 19.1% decrease compared to the same period last year. The INS data indicate that this is the largest decrease among all services provided to the population.

Romslot suggests that overall gambling spending may not have decreased, but instead shifted toward the black market.

In a LinkedIn post, the association noted: ‘’The INS figure of -19.1% does not mean less gambling in Romania. It means less legal, taxed and controlled gambling — and predictably, more illegal gambling, with no protection for minors and adults.

‘’A 19% drop in the legal sector is not a victory against gambling harms. It is a move of the problem to an area where the state can no longer see or intervene.’’

Romania's land-based gambling hall sector is currently experiencing a significant contraction, which is contributing to an overall decline.

According to Romslot, 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 ($2.3bn) to €1.2bn. Once adjusted for inflation and monetary expansion, the association estimates that the sector’s real decline exceeds 60%.         

Tighter regulations have led to this decline, including a 2024 ban on gambling venues in small towns and villages with populations under 15,000. According to Romslot, other factors contributing to the decline include rising wages, higher rents, energy costs and increased gambling taxes.

More recently, Emergency Ordinance 7/2026, which came into effect on February 25, 2026, requires local council approval for slot machine licenses, in addition to the national license issued by the regulator.

This means that municipalities now have the authority to effectively ban gambling venues, and many nationwide have opted to do so, further contracting the gambling hall sector.

The Romanian Federation of Gambling Operators (Fedbet) also warned that the gambling industry is facing growing problems linked to over-regulation. According to Fedbet, this has already led to the closure of one-third of gambling halls nationwide.