Foreign Casino Licences and Gambling in Romania

The local authorisation question

OUG 77/2009 and the remote-gambling norms establish a Romanian licensing and authorisation framework. A licence from Malta, the UK, Curaçao or another jurisdiction alone does not establish permission to serve players in Romania. See the primary law and article 122 of the norms.

A foreign company and a foreign licence are different

An eligible company established abroad may operate within the Romanian framework if it meets the required establishment and ONJN permissions. The 2023 amendments require the relevant Romanian establishment; older implementing language should not be read on its own.

That corporate position still does not establish approval for every brand or website. Follow the exact website verification process.

Access does not prove legality

A website loading, accepting a card or appearing outside a downloaded list is not a legal test. The law separately addresses unauthorised operation and participation from Romanian territory. A missing website result does not establish whether a website is authorised. Check its exact address and the operator’s ONJN permissions.

Use ONJN’s official channels for licensing and blocking decisions. Do not rely on accessibility or a foreign licence logo when deciding whether to open an account.

Be realistic about recourse

An overseas regulator’s ability to consider a complaint depends on its own remit and the actual licence. A foreign logo does not guarantee that it can recover your funds or resolve a Romanian eligibility issue.

Verify the operator first and keep records. Read complaint routes and ways to stop and get support where relevant.