Most iGaming businesses don’t fail because of bad products—they fail because they misunderstand licensing.
In Romania, choosing between a Class I and Class II license is not just a legal formality; it defines how your business operates, generates revenue, and interacts with regulators.
Get it right, and you gain access to regulated markets, PSPs, and scalable infrastructure. Get it wrong, and you risk delays, rejections, or even regulatory sanctions.
This guide breaks down the key differences between Class I and Class II licenses in Romania so you can structure your business correctly from day one.
What You’ll Learn in This Article
- The key differences between Class I (B2C) and Class II (B2B) licenses in Romania
- Which type of license applies to your iGaming business model
- What activities require a Class I license versus a Class II license
- The role of operational authorization for Class I operators
- Why Class II licenses are essential for suppliers like platforms, PSPs, and aggregators
- How licensing impacts PSP access, operator partnerships, and compliance
- Common mistakes when choosing the wrong license type
- How to structure your business correctly to avoid regulatory risks and scale efficiently
Secure Your Gambling License in Romania Through iGaming Express: Tier-1 Compliance, Done Properly
At iGaming Express, we deliver end-to-end support for launching and operating in Romania’s regulated iGaming market, covering both B2C (Class I Operator) and B2B (Class II Supplier/Affiliate) pathways. We handle the full project—company setup, regulatory strategy, ONJN file build, technical coordination, and ongoing compliance—while tailoring every step to your exact business model (casino, sportsbook, multi-vertical, or B2B services).
Understanding B2C vs B2B Gambling Licenses in 2026
Romania is one of the most structured gambling jurisdictions in Europe, with a clear distinction between operators (B2C) and suppliers (B2B).
This distinction is formalized through two main license types issued by the Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc (ONJN):
- Class I license – for operators
- Class II license – for suppliers
Understanding the difference between these two is essential for compliance, operational setup, and long-term scalability.
What Is a Class I License?
A Class I license is required for companies that offer gambling services directly to players.
Activities covered:
- Online casinos
- Sports betting platforms
- Poker platforms
- Any system where players place bets or wagers
Key characteristics:
- Direct interaction with players
- Responsibility for player funds
- Full regulatory oversight
Additional requirement:
Class I operators must also obtain an annual operational authorization, which allows them to actively run gambling activities.
What Is a Class II License?
A Class II license applies to companies that provide services to licensed operators, without interacting directly with players.
These services include:
- Platform and PAM systems
- Game development and RNG supply
- Aggregation and content distribution
- Payment processing (PSPs, EMIs)
- Hosting and infrastructure
Unlike Class I, Class II license holders do not operate gambling activities.
Key Differences Between Class I and Class II
| Feature | Class I (B2C) | Class II (B2B) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Operator | Supplier |
| Player interaction | Yes | No |
| Revenue source | Players | Operators |
| Operational authorization | Required annually | Not required |
| Regulatory scope | Full operation | Supporting services |
Why This Distinction Matters
1. Business Structuring
Your license type determines:
- How you generate revenue
- What contracts you sign
- How your company is regulated
A platform provider operating under a Class I structure—or vice versa—creates immediate compliance risks.
2. PSP and Banking Access
Payment providers assess risk based on:
- Business model (B2C vs B2B)
- Licensing status
- Regulatory exposure
👉 Class II license holders are often viewed as lower risk compared to operators.
3. Regulatory Compliance
Romania requires that:
- Operators work only with licensed suppliers
- Suppliers do not support unlicensed operators targeting Romania
Failure to respect this structure can result in:
- Fines
- License suspension
- Loss of market access
Common Mistakes
Misclassifying Your Business
Many companies assume they are “just technology providers” while performing regulated activities such as:
- Payment processing
- Game distribution
- Backend platform control
👉 These activities require a Class II license.
Using Offshore Structures Only
While offshore licenses may allow operations, they do not replace the need for:
- B2B compliance
- PSP acceptance
- EU regulatory credibility
Practical Example
Scenario 1 – Operator (Class I)
A sportsbook platform:
- Accepts bets
- Manages player accounts
- Processes withdrawals
👉 Requires Class I license + operational authorization
Scenario 2 – Supplier (Class II)
A game aggregator:
- Provides casino content
- Connects multiple providers
- Integrates with operators
👉 Requires Class II license
Strategic Insight
Many successful iGaming companies use a hybrid structure:
- Class I license → operations
- Class II license → infrastructure and compliance
- Separate entity → payment processing
This approach:
- Reduces risk
- Improves scalability
- Increases PSP approval rates
Internal Links
- See: What is a Romania Class II License
- See: Romania Gambling License Requirements (2026)
Conclusion
The difference between Class I and Class II licenses is more than technical—it is structural.
It defines:
- Your business model
- Your regulatory obligations
- Your ability to operate and scale
In Romania’s regulated ecosystem, success depends on choosing the right license—and building your business around it correctly.