iGaming, ONJN
Romanian iGaming licences,
end to end.
Romania's online gambling market is fully regulated by ONJN, the National Gambling Office. ONJN issues two licence classes: Class 1 for B2C operators, Class 2 for B2B suppliers. Operating without authorisation is illegal and actively enforced.
We manage the full pipeline. Entity and capital structuring, technical certification with the approved labs, compliance documentation, ONJN submission, and the ten-year regulatory maintenance that follows.
Class 1 , B2C operators
Operator licences,
by product type.
A Class 1 authorisation covers one or more product verticals. Most operators apply for casino + sports betting; specialist operators may take a single category. Each vertical has the same capital and compliance regime , only the product certification differs.
Online casino & slots
Online casino games, video slots, live dealer, virtual table games. Operators must integrate with the Romanian self-exclusion register and route gameplay data through ONJN-approved monitoring systems.
- Min. capital
- €115,000 (paid-up share capital, online segment)
- Tax
- 21% on Gross Gaming Revenue
- Annual fees
- Authorisation fee + annual licence fee, scaled by GGR
Online sports betting
Fixed-odds and pool betting on Romanian and international sports. Same capital and ONJN compliance regime as online casino. In-play markets permitted under standard authorisation.
- Min. capital
- €115,000 (paid-up)
- Tax
- 21% on GGR
- Annual fees
- Tiered, by activity scope
Online poker
Cash games and tournaments. Operators choose between dedicated poker rooms or licensed shared liquidity (subject to ONJN approval of the platform provider).
- Min. capital
- €115,000 (paid-up)
- Tax
- 21% on GGR
- Annual fees
- As per Class 1 schedule
Online lottery & bingo
Number lotteries, scratch cards, and online bingo formats. Subject to specific draw certification and RNG audit requirements through the ONJN-approved labs.
- Min. capital
- €115,000 (paid-up)
- Tax
- 21% on GGR
- Annual fees
- As per Class 1 schedule
Class 2 , B2B suppliers
Ancillary licences,
for the supply chain.
If you supply Class 1 operators or facilitate gameplay between operator and player, you need a Class 2 ancillary licence. Capital and reporting requirements are lighter than Class 1 but compliance with ONJN technical and AML standards is non-negotiable.
Game / platform software providers
B2B suppliers of casino games, slot content, RNGs, and full platform technology to Class 1 operators. Software must be certified by an ONJN-approved testing laboratory before deployment.
Typical applicants
Game studios, platform providers, RGS suppliers
Payment processors & PSPs
Payment service providers facilitating deposits and withdrawals between Romanian players and Class 1 operators must hold a Class 2 ancillary licence and meet AML and player-fund segregation requirements.
Typical applicants
PSPs, e-wallet providers, card acquirers
Affiliates & marketing partners
Marketing affiliates promoting Class 1 operators to Romanian players require a Class 2 affiliate licence. Direct advertising of unlicensed operators is prohibited and exposes both operator and affiliate to enforcement action.
Typical applicants
Performance marketing networks, content sites, comparison platforms
Testing & certification labs
Independent test laboratories that certify games, RNGs, and platform integrity for ONJN purposes operate under a Class 2 authorisation. Approved labs include BMM Testlabs, GLI, iTech Labs, and others.
Typical applicants
Independent test labs (must be ONJN-accredited)
Audit & monitoring firms
Firms providing the ongoing technical audit, server certification, and reporting services that Class 1 operators must commission periodically.
Typical applicants
Specialist audit and monitoring providers
Engagement
Six phases.
One advisor.
Realistic end-to-end timeline for a Class 1 authorisation is four to six months. We sequence each phase to avoid the avoidable delays , incomplete capital, mismatched lab certification, missing AML documents.
- 01
Scoping & feasibility
We confirm the licence class and product mix (e.g. casino + sports betting + poker), evaluate the share-capital structuring options, map ONJN compliance obligations to your operational model, and prepare a written feasibility memorandum and timeline.
- 02
Entity & capital structuring
Class 1 operators require a Romanian legal entity (typically an SA , joint-stock company , for capital flexibility, though SRLs are accepted) with the full €115,000 paid-up share capital deposited at a Romanian bank. We coordinate the entity formation, capital deposit, and shareholder fit-and-proper documentation.
- 03
Technical certification
All gaming systems, RNGs, and platforms must be certified by an ONJN-approved testing laboratory. We coordinate the certification submission with BMM, GLI, or iTech Labs, manage the technical documentation handover, and align the lab certificate with your platform architecture.
- 04
Compliance framework
ONJN requires a complete operational framework on file: AML/KYC procedures, responsible gambling policy with self-exclusion register integration, data retention policy, complaints procedure, and advertising compliance. We draft each document to ONJN format requirements.
- 05
Application submission
The full dossier is submitted to ONJN through their secure portal. Authorisation review typically takes 60–90 days; we manage all correspondence in Romanian and respond to clarifications on your behalf.
- 06
Ongoing compliance
Once authorised, operators must file quarterly GGR reports, monthly tax returns, annual audit submissions, and notifications of material changes. We offer a retained regulatory correspondent service to handle this throughout the 10-year licence term.
FAQ
Common questions.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 ONJN licences?
Class 1 licences are for B2C operators that interact directly with Romanian players , online casino, sports betting, poker, lottery, bingo. Class 2 licences are for B2B ancillary services , software providers, payment processors, affiliates, testing labs, and audit firms. Operators almost always need a Class 1; suppliers and partners working with operators need a Class 2.
How long does ONJN authorisation take?
Standard authorisation review takes 60–90 days from a complete submission, but the realistic end-to-end timeline (entity formation, capital deposit, technical certification, document drafting, ONJN review, and clarifications) is 4–6 months. Pre-prepared technical certification can shorten this; lab queues during peak periods can extend it.
Do I need a Romanian company to apply for a Class 1 licence?
Yes. Class 1 authorisation is issued only to Romanian legal entities with the required paid-up share capital deposited at a Romanian bank. Most operators incorporate an SA (joint-stock company) for capital flexibility, though SRLs are also accepted. We bundle the formation with the licensing engagement.
What is the GGR tax and how is it calculated?
Online gaming GGR is taxed at 21% in Romania. GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) is calculated as total stakes minus winnings paid to players. The tax is filed and paid monthly. There is also a 2% turnover tax in addition to GGR, and player winnings above certain thresholds are subject to player-side withholding.
Can I use my existing offshore licence to serve Romanian players?
No. Operating without an ONJN licence and accepting Romanian players is illegal under Romanian law. ONJN actively blocks unlicensed operators at the ISP level and pursues enforcement actions. The licensing route is the only sustainable way to serve the Romanian market.
What technical certification do I need?
All gaming systems must be certified by an ONJN-approved testing laboratory before they can serve Romanian players. Approved labs include BMM Testlabs, GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), iTech Labs, and others. The certification covers RNG fairness, game logic, RTP verification, and platform security. We coordinate the lab engagement and submission.
How long is the licence valid?
Class 1 licences are issued for 10 years and renewable. Class 2 licences are typically issued for 5 years. Both require ongoing compliance , quarterly reports, annual audits, and notifications of material changes , to remain in good standing.
Ready to scope an ONJN licence?
Send us your product, target launch date, and corporate structure. We respond within one business day with a written feasibility view and a fixed-scope proposal.
Book a 30-min scoping call