Gambling and Gaming Law

We have the best lawyers specializing in the gambling industry in Romania, with over 12 years of experience in the field.

Regulated gambling markets require a comprehensive and multidisciplinary legal approach, where niche industry expertise must seamlessly integrate with other key areas of law such as Fintech, Data Protection (GDPR), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Consumer Protection, Audiovisual and Media Law, Marketing and Advertising regulations, as well as technology-related compliance.

We strongly believe that the gambling industry has evolved continuously, driven by technological innovation and the increasing complexity of digital platforms. In this context, regulated jurisdictions, including Romania require heightened legal attention, in-depth regulatory knowledge, and practical experience.

Our services are designed to support clients seeking to enter or operate in highly regulated gambling markets such as Romania, where compliance is essential, but where regulatory ambiguities still exist, leaving room for informed interpretation, strategic structuring, and experience-based legal solutions.

With a team that includes specialists with over 10 years of experience in working with the Romanian gambling authorities, we take pride in our ability to support our clients’ needs throughout the entire lifecycle of their operations — from obtaining licences for ancillary services or for the organisation and operation of gambling activities with National Gaming Office in Romania, to providing assistance in licence recognition procedures before other regulatory authorities, such as the Malta Gaming Authority.

Our Services

  • Regulatory feasibility assessment for the targeted jurisdiction
  • Market entry strategy and licensing roadmap
  • Guidance on documentation required by the gaming authority in Romania (N.G.O.)
  • Legal coordination of the licensing process
  • Assistance with regulatory communications during the application phase and post –licensing
  • Advisory on platform updates recertification and technical changes
  • Monitoring of legislative and regulatory developments
  • Assistance with players complaints and regulatory escalations
  • Drafting and review of Terms & Conditions, Responsible Gaming Policy, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, AM / Kyc internal procedures.

Selected credentials

  • Assisted and represented various entities in front of the Gaming Authority during the license process for online operations (class 1 license) and support activities (class 2 licenses for management and hosting facilities, payment procesors and gaming software distribution)
  • Assisted online operators in relation ith the gaming authority for the day by day business approvals, such as: legal opinions, updates on terms and condititions, marketing campaigns, new games and games certificates aprovals, clients petitions, gaming tax inspections
  • Assisting clients in obtaining Letter of Bank Guarantee for covering the risk of payment towards the state budget
  • Assisting clients in relation with the National Audio Council telatd to the limitations imposed to online publicity for the gaming sector
  • Partner of ecah client during the technical audits such as ISMS (Secirity audit) and financial audit based on ISAE 3000 standard

Press Coverage

Articles from the practice area

applicable gambling industry

Package 2 of Fiscal Measures and the Gambling Legislation Changes Entered into Force on August 1, 2025 in Romania

New Rules for ONJN and Gambling Operators in Romania: Integrity, Additional Obligations and Stricter Control The Romanian government adopted, through Law no. 141/2025, a comprehensive set of fiscal and regulatory amendments applicable to the gambling industry in Romania and online gambling in Romania. Package 2 of Fiscal Measures introduces important changes for gambling operators, strengthening […]

Legal assistance in the field of gambling and digital entertainment in Romania

Gambling law and digital entertainment law represent a specialized legal field, in constant evolution, driven by the rapid development of online platforms, the digitalization of entertainment services, and the intensification of state authority control. Gambling activities, sports betting, online casinos, poker, bingo, or lottery-type games are strictly regulated in Romania by Government Emergency Ordinance no. 77/2009 on the organization and operation of gambling activities, as subsequently amended and supplemented, as well as by the applicable tax legislation. Compliance with the legal framework is essential, as carrying out such activities without authorization or in breach of the conditions imposed by the National Gambling Office (ONJN) leads to severe sanctions, including fines, suspension of activity, or withdrawal of the license. In this context, the assistance of a gambling lawyer, a gaming attorney, and a sports betting lawyer from a law firm Bucharest recognized as a leading firm in Romania and among the best lawyers becomes crucial for operators seeking full legal compliance.

The complexity of the applicable regulations requires a rigorous legal approach, especially with regard to obtaining a gambling license, registration on the ONJN list, compliance with reporting requirements, and alignment with new gambling taxes and new gambling-related taxes. In this context, the Romanian Law Firm Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates, a law firm Bucharest, recommends engaging a gaming lawyer, an online casino lawyer, and an online gambling lawyer, regarded as the best lawyer in Romania and among the leading lawyers, capable of providing specialized legal assistance tailored to the specifics of this field, including procedures such as gambling funds recovery, the process to obtain an online gambling license in Romania, gambling license fees, and legal regulations governing compliant gambling collaborations. Their expertise in gambling law services in Romania positions them as one of the top M&A law firms in Romania.

Services provided by lawyers specialized in Gambling Law and online gambling in Romania

Online gambling activity requires compliance with strict conditions regarding transparency, player protection, prevention of money laundering, and adherence to tax regulations. Current legislation establishes clear obligations for economic operators, from corporate structure to contractual relationships with software providers and payment processors, requiring well-documented and compliant gambling collaborations in line with ONJN requirements. Failure to comply may lead to exclusion from the ONJN list or loss of the right to operate on the Romanian market. In such cases, the guidance of online gaming lawyers, lawyers for online gambling, and a gaming attorney near me becomes essential for risk mitigation and regulatory alignment.

By engaging the specialized services of gambling lawyer teams in Bucharest within a law firm Bucharest ranked among the leading firm in Romania, such as Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates, operators benefit from comprehensive legal advice at all stages of their activity, from analysis of the applicable legal framework to representation before ONJN. Collaborating with a gaming lawyer, an online gambling lawyer, and a sports betting lawyer from among the best lawyers in Romania is essential from the business planning phase to ensure lawful and sustainable operations.

Gambling lawyer in Romania. ONJN licensing for gambling activities and online casinos

The procedure for obtaining an ONJN license, namely a gambling organizer license, is complex and requires fulfillment of strict legal conditions regarding share capital, ownership structure, source of funds, and technical infrastructure. Legislation expressly requires obtaining a gambling license before commencing operations, and failure to comply is sanctioned both criminally and administratively. Additionally, payment of the gambling license fee and compliance with renewal deadlines are critical to maintaining operational rights. Guidance from an online casino lawyer, a gaming attorney, and a sports betting lawyer ensures that operators understand Romania gambling license – how to get one in a lawful and efficient manner.

A gambling lawyer from a law firm Bucharest can provide full legal assistance throughout the process to obtain an online gambling license in Romania, including interaction with ONJN, preparation of documentation, and representation before competent authorities. Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates, recognized as a leading firm in Romania with leading lawyers and the best lawyer in Romania, offers specialized consultancy in gambling law, assisting gambling operators, casinos, and online gaming platforms with compliance related to new taxes, as well as managing administrative or tax disputes, being acknowledged among the top M&A law firms in Romania.

Tax lawyer in Romania. Taxes, duties, and legal compliance in the gambling sector

The tax regime applicable to gambling is distinct, characterized by new gambling taxes and new gambling-related taxes that directly impact operator profitability. Tax legislation imposes clear obligations regarding payment of annual licensing fees, authorization fees, and taxes applicable to revenues derived from gambling activities. Failure to comply may result in tax sanctions, suspension of activity, or withdrawal of the ONJN license. Proper support from a gaming lawyer, a gambling lawyer, and an online gambling lawyer is indispensable in navigating these obligations.

With the support of a gaming attorney near me experienced in taxation from our team, among the best lawyers and leading lawyers in Romania, operators can ensure legal compliance, mitigate fiscal risks, and obtain representation before tax authorities. Collaboration with online gaming lawyers, lawyers for online gambling, and a gaming attorney offering gambling law services in Romania is strongly recommended for the proper management of fiscal obligations and to maintain a valid gambling license.

The Romanian Law Firm Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates has extensive experience in gambling law and digital entertainment law, and its lawyers, recognized among the best lawyer in Romania, can assist with the process in Romania gambling license – how to get one, registration on the ONJN list, compliance with new gambling taxes, representation before the National Gambling Office, and resolution of sector-specific disputes. The firm provides assistance in procedures such as recovery of gambling funds, the process to obtain an online gambling license in Romania, compliance with new gambling-related taxes, gambling license fees, and legal regulations governing gambling collaborations, offering comprehensive gambling law services in Romania through online gaming lawyers and lawyers for online gambling.

Don’t navigate these challenges alone. Contact Us today for expert assistance tailored to your needs.

Legal collaboration in the gambling industry in Romania: Advertising, promotion, and affiliation in compliance with ONJN regulations

Legal collaboration in the gambling sector, particularly in advertising and promotion, is strictly regulated and permitted exclusively for operators holding an ONJN license and authorization from the National Gambling Office. Advertising may be conducted through online channels, media, sponsorships, or affiliate systems, but only under strict conditions: messages must not be misleading, must not encourage excessive gambling, must not target minors, and must include mandatory legal warnings regarding gambling risks. Any promotional collaboration must be transparent and comply with authorization requirements, including in cases involving influencers, affiliate platforms, or media partners. Advice from an online casino lawyer, gaming attorney, and sports betting lawyer is essential in structuring compliant campaigns.

From a legal perspective, advertising and affiliate contracts in the gambling sector must be carefully drafted to comply with special legislation and ONJN decisions, avoiding sanctions such as fines, campaign suspension, or even license withdrawal. A specialized gambling lawyer from Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates, a law firm Bucharest recognized as a leading firm in Romania, can provide legal assistance in structuring promotional collaborations, verifying advertising message compliance, and representing clients before regulatory authorities, ensuring that advertising activities are conducted legally and with minimal sanction risk. Their reputation as best lawyers and leading lawyers reinforces their standing among top M&A law firms in Romania.

Gambling lawyers Bucharest in Romania. Legal consultancy for casinos, sports betting, and lotteries

The Romanian gambling market is dominated by operators active in urban areas, especially Bucharest, where the headquarters of major casinos, betting companies, and online gambling platforms are located. In this context, specialized legal consultancy is necessary, as operators must comply with a complex regulatory framework strictly enforced by supervisory authorities. The involvement of a gambling lawyer, gaming lawyer, and sports betting lawyer from a reputable law firm Bucharest ensures ongoing compliance and operational stability.

Collaboration with gambling lawyers Bucharest enables proper management of licensing procedures, relations with the National Gambling Office, tax obligations, and contractual risks, including those related to advertising and commercial partnerships. This consultancy is typically provided within a law firm with practical experience in gambling law, capable of delivering tailored legal solutions for each type of operator. Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates, acknowledged as a leading firm in Romania, offers such services through online gambling lawyers, gaming attorney near me, and best lawyers in the field.

A gambling lawyer Bucharest from Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates, a law firm Bucharest recognized among the leading lawyers, best lawyers, and top M&A law firms in Romania, can provide legal consultancy tailored to operator needs, reinforcing the firm’s reputation as a trusted partner for gambling operators seeking long-term compliance and growth.

Casino litigation lawyer in Romania. Litigation and representation before ONJN and control authorities

Disputes in the gambling sector may concern sanctions imposed by the National Gambling Office, suspension or withdrawal of licenses, commercial conflicts, or procedures for recovery of gambling funds. These situations require a solid legal defense based on in-depth knowledge of special legislation and administrative and judicial practice.

By engaging the services of a casino litigation lawyer and a gambling lawyer, operators benefit from legal representation before courts and control authorities, ensuring effective solutions for protecting business interests and managing legal risks associated with gambling activities. Expertise from a gaming attorney, online casino lawyer, and sports betting lawyer is critical in such disputes.

In conclusion, gambling law and digital entertainment law represent a complex legal field marked by strict regulations on licensing, taxation, and compliance. Operator activity depends directly on adherence to ONJN conditions and proper management of fiscal and legal risks. Therefore, the Romanian Law Firm Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates, a leading firm in Romania and a law firm Bucharest with best lawyers, leading lawyers, and recognized as a best lawyer in Romania, recommends engaging a gambling lawyer, an online gambling lawyer, and a casino litigation lawyer, capable of providing specialized legal assistance and effective representation in all aspects related to gambling activities in Romania, including guidance on Romania gambling license – how to get one and ongoing gambling law services in Romania.

Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm is one of the top law firms in Romania, providing high-quality legal services. The firm’s clients include multinational and domestic companies of great magnitude. In 2025, the law firm’s success stories brought it international recognition from the most prestigious international guides and publications in the field. As a result, Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm ranked 3rd in Romania in the Legal 500’s ranking of business law firms with the most relevant expertise. The law firm is internationally recognized by the IFLR 1000 Financial and Corporate 2025 guide. Additionally, Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm is the only law firm in Romania recommended by the international director of Global Law Experts in London in the Dispute Resolution practice area. All relevant information about Pavel, Margarit and Associates Law Firm can be found on the website www.avocatpavel.com.