New Gambling Law Proposes 10% Income Cap for Players

Romania is taking another step toward tightening its gambling laws with a proposal that would restrict players from spending more than 10% of their previous month’s income on gambling. If passed, this measure would apply to both online and land-based gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and slot machines.

The bill, which is currently under parliamentary review, assigns banks and financial institutions the responsibility of ensuring these spending limits are enforced. Institutions that fail to comply could face fines amounting to 1% of their annual revenue, while gambling operators could be fined between RON 200,000 and 500,000 ($43,000–$108,000) for violations. A second offense would result in the cancellation of their operating license, barring them from further activity in Romania’s gambling market.

ANAF to Oversee Compliance with Real-Time Monitoring

To enforce these new restrictions, Romania’s National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) will create a platform for operators to verify player balances before approving bets. This system will require all licensed gambling businesses to report player expenditures in real time, ensuring that individuals do not bypass the limit by placing bets at multiple venues.

For in-person gambling, casino and betting hall operators must ensure players remain within their spending caps before they are allowed to place wagers. Online gambling platforms will also be closely monitored, with banks controlling transactions to ensure compliance.

Heavy Penalties for Non-Compliant Operators and Banks

Operators that fail to uphold these restrictions will be met with severe penalties. A first violation will result in a fine ranging from RON 200,000 to 500,000 ($43,000–$108,000), while a second offense will lead to the revocation of the operator’s gambling license. Banks that fail to monitor gambling expenditures effectively could also be penalized, facing fines equal to 1% of their turnover.

This proposal is part of a wider effort by Romania to regulate its gambling industry more strictly. In October 2024, the government passed legislation banning gambling venues in towns with fewer than 15,000 residents, reducing access to betting establishments in smaller communities.

At the time, the leader of the Social Democrats described these efforts as an attempt to curb the influence of the gambling industry, stating, “Right now we are fighting an industry that has a total turnover of €10-12 billion. It is the first law adopted in Parliament in 30 years against this mafia that has controlled the political world until now.”

Strengthening Regulations in Romania’s Gambling Sector

Romania has been steadily increasing its regulatory oversight of gambling, introducing various restrictions in recent years. A 40% tax on casino withdrawals, implemented in 2022, was one of the earlier steps taken to limit gambling-related financial losses.

Now, with the introduction of a mandatory spending cap, Romanian lawmakers are working to establish one of the strictest gambling controls in Europe. If this law is approved, both banks and gambling operators will be responsible for ensuring that players adhere to the new restrictions, preventing them from exceeding their permitted gambling expenditures.

The bill is still under review, and industry stakeholders are watching closely as Romania continues its push for stricter gambling regulations.

Source:Romania moves to cap gambling expenses at 10% of income, World Casino Directory, March 8, 2025.