The Romanian government has tightened gambling regulations through an emergency decree, granting municipalities the power to restrict or completely ban betting outlets and slot machine halls. This is considered the most significant tightening of industry oversight the country has seen in recent years.

Under the new rules, licensed operators must obtain not only a national permit but also local authorization to open a gambling venue. This gives mayors and municipal councils a decisive veto power. Officials note that more than 200 localities could exercise the right to impose a full ban.

In recent years, Romania’s gambling market has expanded rapidly: across the country, especially in the capital Bucharest, tens of thousands of betting outlets and slot machine halls have opened.

Previously, permission for such establishments was granted at the national level without city approval, leaving local communities largely powerless, even as venues increasingly appeared near schools and residential areas.

“From now on, local authorities can clearly say ‘yes’ or ‘no’,” said Diana Stoica, an MP for the Save Romania Union party, who led the legislative push. “If they say yes, they can determine exactly where these venues can operate and under what conditions.”

At least nine cities have already announced plans to pursue full bans. Among them is Slatina in southern Romania, where Mayor Mario De Mezzo has pledged to close all gambling halls as existing licenses expire.

Romania’s gambling sector represents a multibillion-euro market. Despite official audits identifying several million euros in uncollected revenue, the sector generated nearly €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in state taxes in 2025.

For years, tax revenue was one of the main arguments against stricter restrictions, despite public pressure. However, supporters of the reform argue that the economic benefits come at a high social cost.

Years of complaints from residents and activists helped drive the political push for reform. At a recent press conference in Bucharest, the MP pointed to an apartment building behind her, where six betting outlets occupied the ground floor near several schools.

“We are not in Las Vegas,” Stoica said. “This crowding of destructive gambling venues is happening right in residential neighborhoods.”

Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Cucu said he needs to consult the local council before deciding on a ban. He suggested gambling venues could be concentrated in certain areas, such as the Old Town, although he emphasized this is just one possible approach.

Meanwhile, the Romanian Parliament is considering additional restrictions for the gambling sector. Proposed measures include banning under-21s from gambling halls, limiting online gambling ads between 6 a.m. and midnight, capping losses at 10% of declared income, and restricting ads aimed at children. Last year, Romania’s media regulator also prohibited celebrities and influencers from appearing in gambling advertisements.

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