Expand Your iGaming Business with a Romanian B2B License

The Allure of the Romanian iGaming Sector

Romania, with a Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of €900 million annually, presents a robust environment for iGaming enterprises. This potential is amplified by a population of nearly 20 million and an impressive 88% internet penetration rate, coupled with a deep-rooted acceptance of gambling. Its strategic geographical location at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe and its vast area of 238,397 square kilometers further enhance its appeal as a hub for iGaming operations.

Economic and Technological Landscape

Achieving high-income status, Romania boasts a diverse economy and stands as a net exporter of electrical energy. Ranked 48th globally in electricity consumption, the country also excels in digital infrastructure. Acknowledged by Bloomberg in 2013 as having the fifth fastest internet speeds globally, and by The Independent for leading Europe in this domain, Romania offers a conducive environment for digital enterprises.

Tourism also plays a crucial role, contributing about 5% to the GDP. The hospitality sector (HORECA) saw 32,500 companies generating €2.6 billion in turnover in 2014, underlining the country’s capacity to attract 9.33 million international tourists in 2016, as reported by the World Bank.

The Booming Gambling Industry

Romania’s gambling sector has experienced remarkable growth, creating a fertile ground for businesses aiming to establish online gambling platforms. However, success in this vibrant market demands a comprehensive grasp of the regulatory framework and acquisition of necessary licenses, particularly the Class 2 Gambling License essential for online gambling operations.

The National Gambling Office (ONJN), established on February 24, 2016, through comprehensive legislation, oversees both online and land-based gambling, ensuring strict compliance through its Supervisory Committee.

Navigating the Regulatory Maze

Before venturing into Romania’s gambling scene, it’s imperative to understand the extensive legislative framework governed by the ONJN. The regulatory landscape includes:

• GEO no. 77/2009 – Government Emergency Ordinance no. 77/2009 on the organization and operation of games of chance;
• Government Decision no. 111/2016 for the approval of the Methodological Norms for implementation of GEO no. 77/2009 (the “Secondary Legislation”);
• GEO no. 20/2013 on the organization and functioning of the National Gambling Office and for the modification and supplementation of GEO no. 77/2009;
• Government Decision no. 298/2013 on the organization and functioning of the National Gambling Office;
• Law no. 227/2015 regarding the Fiscal Code (“Romanian Fiscal Code”);
• Law no. 207/2015 on the Fiscal Procedure Code;
• The order issued by the President of the National Gambling Office no. 47/2016 for the approval of the content, reports, and access to information transmitted by remote gambling operators to the National Gambling Office;
• The order issued by the President of the National Gambling Office no. 48/2016 for the approval of the procedure for fulfilling the conditions for connecting land-based slot machines and betting-type games of chance; and
• The order issued by the President of the National Gambling Office no. 93/2016 for the approval of the mandatory requirements for certification and audit of the remote gambling systems;
• The order issued by the President of the National Gambling Office no. 89/2018 regarding the unitary interpretation of the provisions of point 7 of the Annex to Order no. 48/2016 for the approval of the procedure for fulfilling the conditions for connecting land-based slot machines and betting-type games of chance;
• The order issued by the President of the National Gambling Office no. 179/2018 regarding the approval of the model of monthly declaration as a standard form for the revenues realized by the gambling operators which carry out gambling activities according to art. 10 para. (1) of GEO no. 77/2009;
• Government Emergency Ordinance no. 114/2018 on the establishment of measures in the field of public investments and fiscal-budgetary measures, for the modification and completion of certain normative acts and for the extension of certain deadlines (“GEO no. 114/2018”);
• The order issued by the President of the National Gambling Office no. 38/2019 for the approval of the method of calculation of the monthly tax provided by art. 53 of GEO no. 114/2018, and for the modification of Annex no. 8 to Order no. 179/2018 issued by the President of the National Gambling Office;
• The order issued by the President of the National Gambling Office no. 400/2019 for the approval of the draft decision regarding the accessory budgetary obligations representing interest and penalties for delay, the procedure regarding the notification of economic operators – licensed gambling organizers, and the draft of the payment notification for the annual contribution provided by art. 10 para. (4) of Government Emergency Ordinance no. 77/2009 on the organization and operation of games of chance, further amended through Order no. 434/2019;
• Law no. 129/2019 for preventing and combatting money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as for modifying and completing normative acts;
• The decision issued by the National Audiovisual Council no. 614 of 11 June 2019 for amending and completing Decision no. 220/2011 regarding the Code of Regulation of Audiovisual Content;
• The order issued by the President of the National Gambling Office no. 404/2020 for the approval of the Minimum technical conditions for verification of the gambling means, amended and supplemented through Order no. 86/2021; and
• Government Emergency Ordinance no. 48/2020 regarding certain financial-fiscal measures. As a matter of principle, the Romanian regulation permits the offering of any of the Relevant Products on the Romanian market, both in land-based and digital/online forms, provided that the necessary licenses and authorization (s) is obtained by the operator intending to offer the respective Relevant Product.
• Government Ordinance no. 15/2022 regarding the modification of the licensing and authorization fees of gambling organizers.
• Order of the President of the National Gambling Office no. 181/2023 on the approval of the conditions of the merger, de-merger or transfer of businesses by remote gambling organizers which on the date of entry into force of GEO no. 82/2023, for the modification and completion of GEO no. 77/2009, do not meet the condition laid down in art. 15 (1) (a) letter B point (x) of GEO no. 77/2009.
• Law no. 107/2024 regarding the approval of the Government Emergency Ordinance no. 82/2023 for the amendment and completion of the Government Emergency Ordinance no. 77/2009 regarding the organization and operation of gambling, as well as for the amendment of the Government’s Emergency Ordinance no. 20/2013 regarding the establishment, organization and functioning of the National Office for Games of Chance and for the amendment and completion of the Government Emergency Ordinance no. 77/2009

This framework ensures that all operators align with Romanian regulations, including financial transactions and data storage, thus facilitating a compliant and profitable operation.

Why a Romanian B2B Gambling License?

A Romanian B2B gambling license is not just a regulatory document; it’s a strategic asset. It grants you the privilege to collaborate with and provide services to numerous B2C operators within Romania. This opens up substantial market reach and enhances your business prospects significantly.

For companies based in other EU countries, obtaining this license comes with no requirements on the size of the authorized capital or residency of shareholders, adding a layer of flexibility to your operations. Moreover, if your company operates from outside Romania and lacks a local presence, you enjoy the absence of corporate and gambling taxes in Romania. The process of obtaining a B2B accreditation in Romania also facilitates the opening of an IBAN account in European payment systems and cryptocurrency exchanges, broadening your financial operations and easing transactions.

A Romanian B2B gambling license offers significant strategic benefits:

• It provides the leverage to partner with numerous B2C operators within Romania, substantially broadening market reach.
• It imposes no capital size or shareholder residency requirements for EU-based companies, enhancing operational flexibility.
• Companies operating outside Romania benefit from favorable tax conditions, with no corporate or gambling taxes imposed.

Additionally, this license simplifies financial dealings, allowing the opening of IBAN accounts in European payment systems and cryptocurrency exchanges.

Who Benefits from This License?

If you’re a B2B provider specializing in the gambling industry, offering products or services to licensed B2C operators in Romania, you require a Class II license. This encompasses:

• manufacturers, distributors as well as other entities performing activities with gaming means or gaming components (note: this type of Class 2 licence is relevant for the land-based sector);
• software providers;
• providers of platform management and hosting services/data centres;
• providers of live casino streaming services;
• certification laboratories, auditors and conformity assessment bodies;
• payment processors; and
• marketing affiliates.

Note: Each of these activities necessitates obtaining a separate license, valid for 10 years, dependent on annual fee payments.

Simplified Licensing: A Comparative Advantage

Romania offers a streamlined licensing process, notably faster than jurisdictions like Malta’s Gaming Authority (MGA), with licenses obtainable within just 30 days. This expedited process reduces operational delays and simplifies market entry.

Licensing Requirements

Successful applicants must:

• Establish a company within Romania or the EU.
• Ensure key personnel are free of criminal records and not listed on any sanctions.
• Demonstrate expertise in the gambling sector with robust anti-money laundering protocols.
• Provide evidence of software copyright ownership and commit to annual financial audits.

Government Fees

• Administrative Fee: €10,500 for license issuance.
• Annual Licensing Fee: €20,000.
• Annual Responsible Gambling Contribution: €15,000.

These fees are competitive and justified by the extensive business opportunities and regulatory support provided by Romanian authorities.

Conclusion: A Strategic Business Move

Obtaining a B2B gambling license in Romania transcends regulatory compliance; it is a strategic maneuver that significantly influences your business’s trajectory. At iGaming Express, we specialize in guiding businesses through this process smoothly and efficiently. Contact us to secure your entry into the Romanian gambling market and maximize the potential of this dynamic sector.