Romania Poker Regulations โ Complete Guide 2026
โ ๏ธ Disclaimer: Online gambling regulations change frequently. This page reflects information current as of early 2026. Always verify with the official regulatory body before playing.
๐ท๐ด Poker Regulations in Romania
Romania established a modern gambling regulatory framework in 2015 under the ONJN (National Gambling Office). The Romanian market is open to international operators who obtain ONJN licenses, and several major platforms including PokerStars, 888poker, and Unibet have entered the market. Romania has become one of Eastern Europe’s most active and well-regulated online poker markets, with strong player participation and growing tournament scenes.
๐ Regulatory Overview
| Status | โ Regulated & Licensed |
| Regulatory Authority | ONJN (Oficiul Naศional pentru Jocuri de Noroc) |
| Year Regulated | 2015 |
| Key Legislation | Government Emergency Ordinance 77/2009 (amended 2015) |
๐ Key Regulations for Online Poker
ONJN license required. Operators pay a licensing fee plus 16% tax on gross gaming revenue. Operators must use Romanian-hosted servers or EU-based servers meeting ONJN requirements. Player registration requires Romanian ID (CNP). The ONJN maintains a blacklist of unauthorized operators. Responsible gambling measures including self-exclusion and deposit limits are mandatory. Marketing must comply with Romanian advertising standards. Regular audits and reporting required.
๐ข Live Poker in Romania
Romania’s live poker is centered on Bucharest, with Casino Palace, Princess Casino, and Platinum Casino offering regular poker. The Unibet Open Bucharest and other European tour stops have featured Romania. Romanian players have gained international recognition, with several competing successfully on the European circuit. Timiศoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Constanศa also have casino poker offerings.
๐ก What Players Should Know
Romanian players have good access to licensed international platforms. Gambling winnings are subject to progressive tax rates (1% for winnings up to a threshold, increasing for larger amounts). Self-exclusion available through ONJN. Romanian players benefit from EU shared markets and can participate in international player pools on licensed platforms. The RON (Romanian leu) is typically supported on licensed platforms alongside EUR. Strong community of skilled players.
๐ Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is online poker legal in Romania?
- Yes, Romania regulates online gambling under the ONJN (Oficiul National pentru Jocuri de Noroc). The regulatory framework, updated in 2015, requires operators to obtain Romanian licences. Several major international operators are licensed to offer poker in Romania.
- Are poker winnings taxed in Romania?
- Romania applies a progressive tax on gambling winnings. Winnings up to a certain threshold are tax-free, with increasing tax rates applied to larger amounts. The tax is typically withheld by licensed operators. Players should check current thresholds with Romanian tax authorities.
- Is Romania a growing poker market?
- Yes, Romania has a vibrant and growing poker scene. Bucharest hosts several live poker events and the country has produced numerous successful tournament professionals. The combination of relatively affordable living costs and a strong poker community makes Romania an emerging hub for European poker players.