Poker occupies an ambiguous legal position in Moldova under the current gambling framework established by Law No. 291 of December 16, 2016. The legislation regulates five types of gambling activities including casino maintenance, lotteries, gaming rooms with slot machines, sports betting, and games through electronic communication networks (1). While land-based casinos can operate poker games freely under proper licensing, online poker through electronic networks falls under a state monopoly managed by the National Lottery of Moldova.
The gambling sector is controlled by the joint stock company Loteria Nationala a Moldovei, which determines licensing, taxation, and location issues for gambling establishments (2). Land-based casino operations remain the only gambling activity that can be practiced freely by licensed legal entities, while all other forms including online gaming fall under state monopoly control. Only casinos registered in Moldova with no more than 49% foreign shareholders in the authorized capital can obtain gambling licenses (2).
"According to article 6 of Law no. 291/2016, the state monopoly includes the activities mentioned above in the letters b)-e), except the maintenance of casinos (letter a). The management of gambling activities, which constitute a state monopoly, is carried out through the Joint Stock Company National Lottery of Moldova."
Players accessing international online poker platforms operate in a legal gray area, as the law does not explicitly prohibit Moldovan residents from playing on foreign gambling websites. However, such sites lack official authorization within Moldova's regulatory framework (1). Land-based poker in licensed casinos remains the clearest legal option for players, with several establishments operating in the capital city of Chisinau offering poker alongside other casino games.
Source:
https://www.mondaq.com/gaming/1244512/gambling-sector-in-the-republic-of-moldova
https://www.gga.org.ge/en/world/26
Last updated: 09-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
