Romania has quietly emerged as one of Europe’s most promising regulated markets for online casinos. With a clear licensing framework, a stable regulatory environment, robust internet infrastructure, and a growing digital player base, Romania offers a unique opportunity for iGaming operators. As more players shift to mobile devices and online platforms, the Romanian market continues to expand, making it a strategic choice for both new entrants and established international operators.

This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for launching a successful online casino in Romania in 2025. It covers the legal landscape, licensing requirements, compliance processes, payment solutions, marketing strategies, and how to leverage iGaming software solutions or a white label casino platform to enter the market efficiently.

Understanding the Legal Framework in Romania

Romania legalized online gambling in 2015, establishing one of the most organized and transparent regulatory systems in Eastern Europe. The National Gambling Office (ONJN) oversees all gambling activities, both land-based and online. The authority ensures compliance with local regulations, fair gaming practices, and responsible gaming standards.

Romania’s legal model is built to attract both domestic and foreign operators under a single regulatory umbrella. The structure ensures that all licensed operators maintain financial transparency, implement player protection systems, and meet technical certification requirements before launching.

Licensing Categories

Romania issues two main types of gaming licenses based on the type of operation.

Class 1 License

This is required for operators offering online casino games, sports betting, poker, or lotteries. It allows direct access to the Romanian market and the ability to interact with local players. License holders are responsible for all financial transactions, security protocols, and regulatory compliance.

Class 2 License

This license is intended for B2B service providers such as software vendors, payment processors, affiliates, and iGaming platform providers. Holding this license does not permit direct gaming operations but enables companies to legally partner with licensed operators.

Operators launching an online casino must apply for the Class 1 license. Non-compliance may lead to penalties, license revocation, or blacklisting by the ONJN.

Regulatory Requirements

The ONJN has strict standards to ensure fair play and player protection. Operators must comply with several mandatory requirements.

Player Protection: Every platform must implement robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and anti-money laundering (AML) verification systems.

Responsible Gaming: Casinos must offer deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and behavior monitoring to prevent addictive play.

Technical Certification: All software, including Random Number Generators (RNGs), must be certified by accredited testing labs.

Data Protection: Full GDPR compliance is mandatory for data handling and user privacy.

Reporting: Monthly and annual financial and operational reports must be submitted to the ONJN.

Meeting these requirements ensures both legal operation and player confidence in the brand.

Market Opportunities in Romania

Romania’s gaming market is expanding rapidly thanks to favorable conditions such as increased smartphone penetration, a digitally literate population, and stable broadband coverage. The country’s EU membership also provides easy access for international companies to establish compliant operations.

Popular gaming segments include online slots, live dealer games, poker, virtual sports, esports betting, and lotteries. Romanian players also show strong interest in local language interfaces, promotions, and localized content.

For new operators, using a white label casino platform offers faster market entry, while established brands can rely on advanced iGaming software solutions to create customized and scalable gaming experiences.

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

Obtaining a gambling license in Romania requires several stages of preparation and verification.

1. Company Formation
   The applicant must establish a legal entity in Romania or another EU/EEA country.
2. Documentation Preparation
   The submission should include a detailed business plan, proof of funding, corporate documents, AML/KYC policies, technical certification details, and server infrastructure plans.
3. Application Submission
   The complete application is submitted to the ONJN for evaluation.
4. Compliance Review
   The ONJN reviews the company’s financial stability, operational structure, and system readiness.
5. License Approval and Launch
   Once approved, the license allows operators to launch within 8 to 12 weeks, depending on technical setup and document verification.

Working with a technology partner offering iGaming software solutions can accelerate this process by ensuring the platform already meets ONJN’s standards.

Technical and Compliance Standards

To maintain a Romanian gambling license, operators must meet high technical and operational standards.

Hosting and Game Providers: Only approved and licensed providers such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming can supply games. The platform’s servers must be hosted within the EU/EEA.

Fair Play and Security: RNG certification, SSL encryption, anti-fraud tools, and real-time monitoring systems are mandatory.

Responsible Gaming Integration: Tools like session limits, spend tracking, and player alerts must be embedded in the platform.

A certified iGaming platform provider ensures all these systems are in place, helping operators avoid costly compliance errors.

Payment Integration

Romanian players prefer secure, fast, and familiar payment options. Offering multiple local and international payment methods is key to maximizing conversions.

Popular Payment Options Include:

• Bank cards such as Visa and MasterCard

   

• E-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal

   

• Direct bank transfers

   

• Mobile payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay

   

• Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum with full AML verification

   

White label casino platforms often come with pre-integrated payment systems, while customized solutions using iGaming software solutions offer greater flexibility for operators targeting specific demographics or currencies.

Marketing and Player Acquisition

The ONJN enforces strict marketing rules to ensure responsible promotion. Ads must not target minors or imply guaranteed winnings.

Effective Strategies Include:

• SEO and localized Romanian-language content marketing

   

• Affiliate partnerships and influencer collaborations

   

• Social media engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

   

• Retention-focused programs like loyalty rewards, cashback offers, and tournaments

   

Choosing a white label casino platform with built-in CRM tools, player segmentation, and analytics helps operators automate retention and optimize marketing spend effectively.

Challenges and Solutions

Launching an online casino in Romania presents both opportunities and challenges.

Key Challenges:

• Intense competition from established operators

   

• Ongoing regulatory compliance updates

   

• Limited access to certain payment gateways

   

• High marketing costs for player acquisition

   

Practical Solutions:

• Partner with a licensed iGaming platform provider for compliance and integration support

   

• Use a white label casino platform for a faster, lower-cost launch

   

• Prioritize mobile-first UX and multi-language support

   

• Build trust with responsible gaming practices and transparent policies

   

Benefits of Partnering with Digient

As a global leader in iGaming software solutions, Digient provides the technology and compliance expertise required to succeed in regulated markets like Romania.

Digient Offers:

• Custom and white label casino platforms compliant with ONJN standards

   

• Integration with certified game providers and payment systems

   

• End-to-end management tools for reporting, security, and player monitoring

   

• Scalable backend systems for expanding across EU-regulated regions

   

• Real-time analytics and CRM modules for smarter player engagement

   

By partnering with Digient, operators can reduce setup time, minimize compliance risks, and launch a fully functional Romanian online casino with complete technical support.

Conclusion

Romania is one of the most promising regulated iGaming markets in Europe, combining transparency, stability, and profitability. Its well-defined legal structure, high mobile adoption, and growing player base make it an ideal market for expansion in 2025.

Whether you are launching a new casino or scaling your existing operation, success depends on choosing the right licensing and technology partner. By leveraging iGaming software solutions or adopting a white label casino platform, operators can ensure compliance, streamline operations, and deliver seamless gaming experiences to Romanian players.

Partner with Digient to build your compliant, scalable, and competitive online casino in Romania and take advantage of the country’s growing iGaming potential in 2025.