What Is a Romania Class II License?

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Written By iGaming

iGaming Express, a dedicated team of gambling experts proudly serving the Industry since 2014 

The iGaming industry has undergone a structural transformation. Regulators are no longer focused exclusively on operators—they are increasingly regulating the entire supply chain, including platforms, aggregators, and payment providers.

In Romania, this shift is formalized through the Class II license issued by the Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc (ONJN).

For any company operating in the B2B segment of iGaming, understanding this license is not optional—it is fundamental to operating legally, scaling efficiently, and maintaining access to payment infrastructure.

What You’ll Learn in This Article

  • What the Romania Class II license is and how it applies to B2B iGaming companies
  • Which types of businesses are required to obtain this license
  • The legal framework governing Class II licensing in Romania
  • Key features, validity, and ongoing compliance obligations
  • Why the license is critical for PSP access and operator partnerships
  • How it impacts your ability to operate in regulated EU markets
  • The risks of operating without a Class II license
  • How the license can be used as a strategic tool for scaling your business

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).

What Is a Romania Class II License?

A Romania Class II license is a regulatory authorization that allows companies to provide B2B gambling-related services to licensed operators under GEO 77/2009.

Unlike operator licenses, which allow direct interaction with players, the Class II license governs companies that support the operation of gambling platforms.

These services include:

  • Platform and PAM (Player Account Management) systems
  • Game development and RNG supply
  • Aggregation and content distribution
  • Payment processing (PSPs, gateways, EMIs)
  • Hosting and infrastructure services
  • Data, streaming, and backend support

👉 In simple terms: If your business powers the engine behind gambling operations, you fall under Class II.

Why the Class II License Exists

Romania introduced the Class II licensing regime to ensure that every critical component of the gambling ecosystem is regulated—not just operators.

This approach achieves three objectives:

1. Full Regulatory Visibility

Authorities can monitor not only operators but also the suppliers that influence gameplay and transactions.

2. Player Protection

Ensures that all systems involved in gambling—from software to payments—meet strict compliance standards.

3. Financial Integrity

Prevents unregulated entities from handling gambling-related transactions within the EU ecosystem.

Who Needs a Class II License?

The requirement applies to any company providing services to licensed operators that impact:

  • Game functionality
  • Player data
  • Financial transactions
  • Compliance processes

Typical Class II license holders include:

  • Software developers and game studios
  • Aggregators and API providers
  • Platform providers (white-label or turnkey solutions)
  • Payment service providers (PSPs)
  • Hosting and cloud infrastructure providers
  • Live casino streaming providers

👉 If your service is embedded in the operator’s workflow, you are regulated.

Legal Framework

The Class II license is governed by:

  • GEO 77/2009 (primary law)
  • HG 111/2016 (implementation norms)
  • Subsequent amendments, including recent regulatory updates

These laws establish:

  • Licensing obligations
  • Compliance standards
  • Enforcement mechanisms

Key Features of the Romania Class II License

10-Year Validity

The license is valid for up to 10 years, offering long-term regulatory stability.

No Operational Authorization Required

Unlike Class I operators, Class II providers do not need annual operational authorization.

Annual Compliance Obligations

License holders must:

  • Pay annual fees
  • Maintain AML/KYC systems
  • Ensure technical auditability

Why the License Is Critical in 2026

The importance of the Romania Class II license has significantly increased due to three major industry shifts:

1. PSP and Banking Requirements

Payment providers now require full transparency across the entire transaction chain, including B2B suppliers.

2. Operator Due Diligence

Licensed operators increasingly work only with regulated suppliers to reduce compliance risk.

3. Regulatory Expansion

Authorities are extending enforcement beyond operators to include all service providers.

Practical Business Impact

Without a Class II License:

  • PSP onboarding becomes difficult or impossible
  • Operators may refuse integration
  • Increased regulatory exposure

With a Class II License:

  • Easier access to payment providers
  • Stronger partnerships with licensed operators
  • Improved credibility and valuation

International Use of the License

One of the major advantages of the Romania Class II license is its flexibility.

Licensed companies can provide services internationally, provided they:

  • Do not target Romanian players without authorization
  • Avoid Romania-specific targeting (e.g., RON currency, local marketing)
  • Implement geo-restrictions where necessary

This makes Romania a powerful compliance anchor within global iGaming structures.

Strategic Insight

The Romania Class II license is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a strategic positioning tool.

It signals to the market that your company is:

  • Compliant
  • Auditable
  • Reliable
  • Scalable

In an industry increasingly driven by compliance and trust, this distinction is critical.

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Conclusion

The Romania Class II license has evolved from a regulatory formality into a core infrastructure requirement for B2B iGaming companies.

It determines whether your business can:

  • Access regulated markets
  • Work with licensed operators
  • Integrate with PSPs
  • Scale sustainably in Europe

In 2026, the question is no longer whether you need it—but how soon you can implement it.

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