Is Poker Legal in Romania? ONJN Online Poker Laws 2026
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Online poker is fully legal in Romania since 2015 under Government Ordinance 77/2009 and its amendments. ONJN (National Gambling Office) licenses approximately 20 operators including PokerStars.ro, bet365, and Superbet. Poker winnings are tax-free up to RON 66,750 annually (~$14,800 USD); above that, a 16% income tax applies. Romania has one of Eastern Europe's most developed gambling markets — Bucharest hosts major European poker events including EPT and King's Festival tournaments.
Romanian Poker Legal Status by Activity
Romania's gambling framework is notably more permissive than many Eastern European peers. Unlike neighbouring countries such as Bulgaria or Serbia where online poker operates in a grey area, Romania has a clear, comprehensive licensing framework. Romania's licensed poker club framework — permitting standalone poker venues — is rare in the EU.
ONJN — Romania's National Gambling Office
ONJN (Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc) was established under Government Ordinance 77/2009 and empowered by 2015 amendments that brought Romania's online gambling market into full legal operation. Romania was one of the earlier Eastern European nations to create a comprehensive online licensing framework, which has contributed to building one of the region's most developed gambling markets.
ONJN issues 5-year licenses to operators covering online poker, casino games, sports betting, and live dealer games. Approximately 20 operators hold Romanian licenses as of 2026, covering a competitive market that includes both international brands and domestic Romanian operators. Operators pay a 20% GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) tax — one of the higher rates in the EU — in addition to significant annual license fees.
Poker Tax in Romania — RON 66,750 Tax-Free Threshold
Romania's gambling tax framework is more generous than Greece's daily €100 threshold but less permissive than Ireland or the Netherlands. The key feature is an annual tax-free exemption of RON 66,750 (~$14,800 USD) — moderate winners pay no tax at all, while only significant annual profits trigger the 16% rate. Licensed operators handle withholding automatically.
0%
Up to RON 66,750 / year
Winnings below this annual threshold are completely tax-free. Operators do not withhold tax on amounts below this level.
16% on excess
RON 66,750 – RON 445,000 / year
16% tax on the amount exceeding RON 66,750. Licensed operators automatically withhold taxes above thresholds when processing withdrawals.
25% on excess
Above RON 445,000 / year
For very high annual winnings above RON 445,000 (~$99,000 USD), a 25% rate applies to the excess amount above that higher threshold.
Compared to Greece (15% withheld on daily net above €100) and Italy (taxes apply broadly), Romania's annual threshold approach is friendlier for moderate winning players. A player winning RON 66,749 across an entire year pays zero tax. Players using unlicensed operators must declare winnings to ANAF independently and without automatic withholding protection.
Online Poker in Romania — Licensed Operators
Romania's online poker market features approximately 20 licensed operators as of 2026. Unlike tightly ring-fenced markets such as France or Spain, Romania's framework allows international operators to serve Romanian players without separating them into entirely isolated player pools — though some network-level segregation applies depending on the operator.
Live Poker in Romania — Bucharest and Beyond
Bucharest has established itself as a major European poker hub, hosting prestigious international tournaments and offering world-class facilities at significantly lower costs than Western European cities. Romania's licensed poker club framework — which permits standalone poker clubs separate from full casinos — is notably more permissive than most EU countries, including Greece and the Netherlands.
Romania hosts significant events from the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the King's Casino circuit. The King's Bucharest Festival has grown into one of Eastern Europe's largest annual poker festivals, attracting players from across the continent. Grand Casino Bucharest at the JW Marriott is the flagship live poker venue and the primary tournament host.
Definitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online poker legal in Romania?
Yes — online poker is fully legal in Romania since 2015 when amendments to Government Ordinance 77/2009 came into force. Approximately 20 licensed operators serve Romanian players under licenses issued by ONJN (National Gambling Office). Licensed operators include PokerStars.ro, bet365, Superbet, Unibet, 888poker, and Betano. Romanian players must use ONJN-licensed operators — unlicensed sites are blacklisted and blocked by Romanian ISPs.
What is ONJN?
ONJN stands for Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc — Romania's National Gambling Office and primary gambling regulator. ONJN issues 5-year licenses to online and land-based gambling operators, monitors compliance, enforces responsible gambling requirements, maintains the blacklist of unlicensed operators, and coordinates with ANAF (the Romanian tax authority) on player taxation. ONJN is one of Eastern Europe's more established gambling regulators, having built a comprehensive licensing framework since 2009.
How are poker winnings taxed in Romania?
Romanian poker winnings are taxed at 16% on annual net winnings above RON 66,750 (approximately $14,800 USD). Winnings below this annual threshold are completely tax-free. Licensed operators automatically withhold taxes when winnings exceed applicable thresholds — players using licensed Romanian operators do not need to self-report these amounts separately. For unlicensed operator winnings, players must declare income to ANAF independently. An additional 25% rate applies to very high annual winnings above RON 445,000.
What is the RON 66,750 threshold?
RON 66,750 is Romania's annual tax exemption threshold for gambling winnings. Net winnings below this amount per year are completely free from income tax — you keep 100% of your winnings. Once cumulative annual net winnings exceed RON 66,750, the 16% tax rate applies to the excess amount only, not to the full total. Licensed operators track player winnings and automatically withhold taxes when the threshold is approached or exceeded. The RON 66,750 threshold (approximately $14,800 USD at 2026 exchange rates) is notably more generous than Greece's daily €100 threshold.
Where can I play live poker in Romania?
Bucharest is Romania's live poker capital with several major venues. Grand Casino Bucharest at the JW Marriott Hotel is the premier venue, hosting PokerStars EPT (European Poker Tour) events and regular high-stakes tournaments. King's Casino Bucharest is part of the European King's Casino tournament circuit with regular festival events. The Intercontinental Hotel Casino offers convenient central Bucharest poker. Romania has a licensed poker club framework that is more permissive than many EU countries, allowing standalone poker venues in addition to casino-attached card rooms.
Which sites are licensed in Romania?
ONJN maintains a list of licensed online gambling operators for Romania. As of 2026, approximately 20 operators hold Romanian licenses including PokerStars.ro, bet365, Superbet, Unibet, 888poker, Betano, Betfair, and others. Unlike closed market systems (Spain, France), Romania's approach permits international operators to apply for Romanian licenses and serve Romanian players, creating a competitive market. Players should verify operators are on ONJN's current license list before depositing.
Is Romania a good destination for poker tourism?
Yes — Bucharest is one of Eastern Europe's top poker tourism destinations. Romania offers major live poker events including EPT Bucharest, King's Bucharest Festival, and regular high-buy-in tournaments. Bucharest is cost-effective compared to Western European cities, with affordable accommodation, food, and entertainment. The Grand Casino Bucharest at the JW Marriott is a world-class poker venue. Romania's legal framework permits foreign players to participate in licensed live tournaments. The combination of active tournament schedule, strong local poker culture, and competitive prices makes Bucharest a popular choice for European poker players.
Poker Legal Status by Country
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