Romania Proposes 10% Income Cap on Gambling Spending

Romanian lawmakers are considering a legislative proposal that would restrict individuals from spending more than 10% of their previous month’s income on gambling activities. This measure, if implemented, would apply across both land-based and online gambling, covering casinos, slot machines, and sports betting.

The proposed law shifts responsibility tobanks and financial institutions, requiring them to enforce the spending cap. Institutions that fail to comply could face financial penalties of up to 1% of their annual turnover. Gambling operators would also be held accountable, with fines ranging between RON 200,000 and 500,000 ($43,000–$108,000). Repeat offenses would lead to the revocation of their gambling licenses, effectively barring them from operating in the country.

Government Enforcement and Real-Time Monitoring

The National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) is set to play a key role in overseeing compliance. The agency will develop a centralized platform that allows gambling operators in Romania to verify a player’s available balance before authorizing transactions. All operators must report real-time gambling expenditures to ANAF to prevent users from circumventing the cap by wagering at multiple establishments.

For physical gambling venues, operators will need to confirm that players remain within the 10% limit before they place bets. Online gambling platforms will be subject to the same oversight, with banks responsible for monitoring digital transactions to prevent excessive gambling losses.

Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance

Authorities have outlined severe repercussions for failure to enforce these measures. If a gambling operator does not comply, they will face a fine between RON 200,000 and 500,000 ($43,000–$108,000) for the first offense. A second violation will result in the immediate cancellation of their license. Banks that do not monitor gambling transactions properly could also face fines amounting to 1% of their turnover.

This proposed measure is part of Romania’s broader push for stricter regulations within its gambling industry. In October 2024, the government passed legislation that banned gambling venues in towns and villages with fewer than 15,000 residents as part of its ongoing efforts to control gambling accessibility.

At the time, the leader of the Social Democrats highlighted the significance of these regulatory moves, 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.”

A Continued Push for Gambling Oversight

The latest proposal follows a series of measures aimed at tackling problem gambling and enhancing consumer protection. In 2022, Romania introduced a 40% tax on casino withdrawals, further tightening regulations around gambling-related financial activities.

If enacted, the new spending cap would represent one of the strictest financial controls on gambling in Europe, ensuring that Romanian players cannot wager more than a set percentage of their income. With both banks and gambling operators required to enforce these restrictions, the government aims to prevent excessive losses and promote financial responsibility among players.

The legislation is currently under review by lawmakers, with industry stakeholders closely monitoring its progress and potential impact on Romania’s gambling landscape.

Source:

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