Online poker is legal in Romania under Emergency Government Ordinance No. 77/2009, which regulates all forms of gambling including online casino games and poker (1). The Romanian State, through the National Office for Gambling (ONJN) under the Ministry of Finance, grants licenses to organize and operate gambling activities based on strict compliance with legal conditions (2). Online casino licenses specifically include online poker, and operators must obtain both a Class I gambling license valid for ten years and an annual gambling authorization to legally offer poker services.
The ONJN regulates gambling activities with a comprehensive licensing framework that requires operators to meet stringent technical, financial, and operational requirements (2). Companies from European Union member states may apply for Romanian gambling licenses provided they establish a registered permanent office in Romania and ensure all income from gambling activities is recognized locally (1). Online poker operators must pay a 21% tax on gross gaming revenue with a minimum annual payment of EUR 400,000, plus an annual license tax of EUR 300,000.
"The organisation and operating of gambling are administered by the ONJN. The Romanian State, through the ONJN, which is set up under the Ministry of Finance, may grant the right to organise and operate gambling on the basis of a licence."
Romanian players can access licensed international poker platforms like PokerStars, 888, and GGPoker, which joined the Romanian market through the playgg.ro site in partnership with Skywind Holdings (1). Land-based poker is also permitted through poker clubs requiring a minimum statutory capital of LEI 100,000 and poker festivals requiring the same capital threshold (1). The ONJN maintains a public register accessible online containing all licensed operators, updated at least once every 24 hours, and blocks unlicensed gambling websites to protect consumers and ensure regulatory compliance.
Source:
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-cee/romania
https://www.advennt.com/jurisdictions/online-gaming/romania/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
