Romania's local licensing shift leaves land-based operators in regulatory limbo
Regulation · SectorWire deskSource published
Summary
Romania's decision to move gambling licensing to local councils has left land-based operators unable to secure local permits. Romslot says operators hold valid national authorisations but cannot operate without local approval, while councils are not issuing permits. The number of slot machines has more than halved from 80,000 to 36,000 over two years.
Why it matters
Operators with valid national authorisations face closure or relocation as local councils gain veto powers over venues and permits.
Cite as: SectorWire, “Romania's local licensing shift leaves land-based operators in regulatory limbo”, 26 May 2026, https://sectorwire.news/item/romania-s-local-licensing-shift-leaves-land-based-operators-in-regulat/