Romania Imposes New Regulations on B2B iGaming Industry

Romania Tightens iGaming Controls with New B2B Regulations

Navigating New Norms in Romanian iGaming—Romania has introduced groundbreaking legislation that significantly alters the operational landscape for Business-to-Business (B2B) iGaming service providers. Law no. 107/2024, heralding a new era of stringent regulatory measures, was published in the government gazette and is set to be implemented swiftly, reshaping industry practices and enhancing oversight. This move aims to bolster the integrity and security of the iGaming ecosystem in Romania, aligning it with broader European standards for gambling regulation.

Overview of Law no. 107/2024

Enacted on 18 April and effective within just ten days, the law introduces rigorous compliance obligations for B2B iGaming providers. Key provisions include:

• Direct and Indirect Service Restrictions: B2B providers with a class 2 license are prohibited from offering services, either directly or indirectly, to operators without a class 1 Romanian license that engage players within Romania.
• Scope of Regulation: The law covers a wide array of services such as platform and software provision, live dealer studios, and payment processing.
• Technical Barriers: Similar to Swedish regulatory models, the new law mandates that providers must implement technical safeguards to block access to both regulated and offshore operators concurrently.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The implications for failing to adhere to the new regulations are severe:

• Heavy Fines: Providers could face fines between €30,000 and €40,000.
• Confiscation and Revocation: There is a risk of confiscation of revenues derived from non-compliant activities and potential revocation of operating licenses.

Legal Insights and Industry Reactions

According to consultations with leading Romanian iGaming lawyers, there is no expectation for amendments to the law, though clarifications may follow. The Oficiul National Pentru Jocuri De Noroc (ONJN) is tasked with issuing detailed guidance on the required technical measures within 90 days.

Industry insiders have voiced concerns over the rapid implementation and the broad impact of these regulations. Some stakeholders describe the regulatory changes as seismic, potentially reshaping the operational dynamics for numerous B2B providers licensed in the country.

Strategic Implications for B2B Providers

For B2B iGaming providers, this regulatory overhaul necessitates a swift reassessment of compliance strategies and operational models:

• Immediate Compliance: Providers must immediately implement any available technical measures to prevent unauthorized access, adhering closely to the new legal standards.
• Long-Term Adjustments: Long-term strategic adjustments will likely include revamping service offerings and enhancing compliance protocols to ensure continuous adherence to the stringent requirements.

The Broader Context: Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks

This legislative move is part of a broader trend within Romania to tighten control over gambling activities, evidenced by a recent ban on gambling venues in towns and villages with populations under 15,000. The new B2B regulations aim to further solidify the regulatory framework, ensuring a safer and more responsible gaming environment across all facets of the industry.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Romanian iGaming

The enactment of Law no. 107/2024 marks a significant milestone in Romania’s approach to regulating the iGaming industry. As the sector continues to evolve, these regulations will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape, driving higher standards of compliance and fostering a secure and equitable environment for all stakeholders involved.

Stay Informed and Compliant

For operators and providers in the Romanian iGaming industry, staying informed about these changes and understanding their implications is paramount. Adapting to these new regulations will require a concerted effort to align business practices with the enhanced legal requirements, ensuring sustainable operations and continued growth in the challenging yet rewarding domain of iGaming.