Romanian municipalities move to ban physical gambling halls

Local councils in Jilava and Pucioasa, Romania, have passed decisions to ban physical gambling establishments within their territories.

In Jilava, Decision no. 33 prohibits the authorization of new gambling halls and prevents existing operators from renewing or extending their licenses. Current operators holding valid permits from the National Gambling Office may continue operations only until their existing authorizations expire. The ban covers slot machines, sports betting agencies, casinos, poker clubs, and bingo halls, though it does not apply to online gambling or traditional Loto games organized by the Romanian National Lottery.

In Pucioasa, similar measures will lead to the gradual disappearance of gambling halls as current permits expire. Mayor Constantin Ana described the move as a step toward societal healing, characterizing gambling as a destructive force. Additionally, the Pucioasa local council doubled the tax for Loto agencies from 250 lei to 500 lei per square meter, a move the Romanian National Lottery has indicated it will challenge in court.