Romania Poker Guide: Best Venues, Festivals & ONJN Rules

Romania has become one of the main poker hubs in Eastern Europe. The country offers a well-organised and player-friendly environment for the game. Unlike some countries with strict monopolies, Romania has a more open and competitive market. Both local players and international visitors can enjoy high-quality card rooms in Bucharest and other major regional cities.

Romania: The ONJN Regulatory Framework

• Government Oversight: All gambling activities are governed by the National Gambling Office (ONJN), established under the Ministry of Finance. This body issues 10-year Class I licenses to operators, ensuring games are fair and player funds are strictly protected.

• Inclusive Access: Romanian law explicitly permits local citizens to gamble in land-based casinos and online platforms alongside foreign visitors, provided they meet the minimum age requirements.

• 2026 Legal Shifts: As of February 17, 2026, the Romanian Senate has approved new measures to raise the minimum age for high-stakes gambling and implement stricter restrictions on gambling advertisements in public spaces.

2026 Major Poker Festivals

Romania’s 2026 calendar is anchored by large-scale international tours and massive local championships:

PlayGG Poker Room Bucharest: The city's premier destination is hosting the Vamos Poker Tour (VPT) Bucharest from March 16–22, 2026, featuring a €200,000 guaranteed prize pool across six flagship events.

Gentlemen’s Poker Club: A staple of the capital’s scene, this club hosted the Gentlemen’s Elite Series #2 in February 2026 and continues to be a hub for high-stakes cash action.

National Championships: Bucharest remains a frequent stop for major regional series like the Eurasian Poker Tour (EAPT) and the Romanian Poker Masters, which draw thousands of players to the capital throughout the year.

2026 Key Dates & Events

Romanian Poker Masters (Jan 26 – 31, 2026): A high-engagement winter series held at the PlayGG Poker Room.

VPT Bucharest (March 16 – 22, 2026): A premier European festival with a €125,000 GTD Main Event.

Merlin Poker Cash Game Tour (April 14 – 20, 2026): A dedicated cash game festival offering stakes ranging from €1/€3 to €5/€10.

Online Poker in Romania

Online Poker Legislation in Romania

Online poker in Romania is a mature, well-regulated market. Private companies can legally operate provided they maintain a mirror server on Romanian soil and obtain a 10-year Class I license from the ONJN. Effective August 1, 2025, the authorization tax for online operators increased to 30% of gross gaming revenue (GGR). For players, this high level of regulation provides an extra layer of security, as the government maintains a public "blacklist" of unauthorized sites to prevent fraud.

Live Poker in Romania

Live Poker Legislation in Romania

Live poker is legally permitted in licensed casinos and dedicated poker clubs. Individual cities now have more power to allow or restrict physical gaming halls within their jurisdictions following new 2026 legislative amendments. While some mayors in cities like Slatina and Vaslui have proposed banning slot halls, professional poker clubs in major business hubs like Bucharest remain stable and well-monitored.

Live Poker Venues in Romania

The live scene is centered in Bucharest, home to the PlayGG Poker Room, which features dozens of tables and regularly hosts high-profile European tours. Another major venue is the Gentlemen's Poker Club, known for its frequent recreational festivals like "Poker Frenzy". For those visiting the capital, these venues offer 24/7-style atmosphere and a wide range of stakes suitable for both tourists and seasoned professionals.