Romanian cities implement stricter gambling hall regulations

Local authorities in several Romanian cities are implementing stricter regulations on gambling halls and slot machines. In Brașov, new operating rules adopted in April have already led to the closure of 17 slot machine halls. The Brașov Local Council is moving to deny annual operating permits to four additional halls, including locations operated by Superbet Retail SA and SC Tisza Game SRL. Only one operator, Games International, is expected to receive a permit for a new location at the Unirea Shopping Center, subject to an annual fee exceeding 344,000 lei.

In Ploiești, the Local Council unanimously voted in July to ban gambling halls within the municipality. However, the ban will be implemented gradually as existing licenses expire. According to the National Gambling Office (ONJN) public register, there are currently 788 gaming devices registered in Ploiești, with many licenses valid until September 2026. Mayor Mihai Polițeanu stated that the city will monitor the expiration of these licenses to ensure compliance with the phase-out.