Romanian cities crack down on sports betting with sweeping bans
Nine Romanian cities have already decided to ban betting shops and slot machine venues under a new emergency decree. The law, known as Emergency Ordinance 7/2026, grants local authorities the power to impose full or partial restrictions on sports betting operations. Over 200 other localities are now considering similar measures, marking a major shift in the country's approach to the industry.
The push for stricter controls follows years of rapid expansion in Romania's sports betting sector. Tens of thousands of slot machines and betting outlets now operate nationwide, with the highest concentration in Bucharest. In 2025 alone, the industry generated nearly €1bn in state taxes, though audits revealed millions in uncollected revenue.
Mayors in several cities have taken decisive action. Slatina's mayor, Mario De Mezzo, called sports betting venues 'toxic for society' and cited the suicide of a local man who lost large sums. Meanwhile, the mayors of Iași, Ploiești, and Brăila are reviewing potential bans. Bucharest's mayor, Ciprian Cucu, proposed a different approach, suggesting sports betting be limited to specific zones like the Old Town rather than banned outright.
The reforms, championed by Diana Stoica of the Save Romania Union party, require sports betting firms to obtain separate licenses for each municipality they operate in. Stoica criticised the country's lax regulations over the past two decades, arguing that sports betting had been allowed to 'explode' with fewer restrictions than other businesses. No clear legal steps have been outlined for companies to retain their licenses in affected areas.
The new rules give local leaders direct control over sports betting operations in their communities. With more than 200 localities weighing bans, the industry faces significant changes. Sports betting firms must now secure individual municipal approvals to continue operating, altering how they do business across Romania.
