Is online poker legal in Romania?

Yes, online poker is legal in Romania. It is regulated by the National Gambling Office (Oficiul Național pentru Jocuri de Noroc), which issues licences to operators wishing to offer online gambling, including poker. Operators like PlayGG and 888poker . All transactions are monitored by ONJN servers located within the country.

Do I need to pay tax on my poker winnings?

For land-based casinos and poker clubs, winnings up to RON 66,750 (~€13,000) are generally tax-exempt. Above this threshold, a progressive withholding tax is applied, starting at 20%.

Can Romanian citizens play in local casinos?

Absolutely. Romanian residents can legally participate in both live poker tournaments and cash games.

What is the minimum age to play poker?

The legal gambling age in Romania is 18. However, lawmakers approved a bill in February 2026 to potentially raise this age for specific gaming activities.

What is the tax situation for online gambling operators in Romania?

Online gambling operators face a few different taxes in Romania. In 2015, the government introduced a 20% tax on the revenue companies had earned since 2009, even though online gambling wasn’t formally legalized until that year. Additionally, in 2019, a 2% turnover tax was introduced, and the tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) remains relatively low at 16% .

Is live poker legal in Romania?

Yes, live poker is legal in Romania, and the legal framework for land-based gambling is optimal. Casinos have been operating legally in Romania since 1991, and licenses for land-based casinos, including poker rooms, are issued by the National Gambling Office .

Are poker tournaments allowed in Romania?

Yes, poker tournaments are allowed, but they require a different type of license compared to regular casino operations. This has allowed poker tournaments to be held in various locations, including non-traditional venues such as beaches.

Are poker events regularly held in Romania?

Yes, Romania hosts several major poker events throughout the year, including the Unibet Poker Open and the Romanian Poker Series . These events attract both local and international players, contributing to Romania’s growing poker scene.

Is cryptocurrency allowed for poker?

Legally licensed platforms in Romania are required to use approved local payment providers and typically operate in Romanian Leu (RON) or Euro (EUR) .

Romania Poker Guide: Best Venues, Festivals & ONJN Rules

Tricia DavidAuthor

Reviewed by Zoe Chang

Updated: 2026.03.05

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.

🏛️
PRIMARY HUB
Bucharest

🏙️
KEY VENUE
PlayGG Poker Room

🛡️
ADMISSION
Locals & Foreigners (18+)

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.

Best Online Poker Sites in Romania

Poker room of BC.Game

Independent

BCPoker

4.7

Bonus10% up to $200

RakebackUp to 50%

Bonus code

SMPBONUS

Biggest Poker Room

GGPoker network

GGPoker

4.9

Bonus100% up to $600

RakebackUp to 80%

Bonus code

SMPBONUS

US and Crypto friendly

Winning Poker

ACR

4.7

Bonus100% up to $2000

RakebackUp to 65%

Bonus code

SMPBONUS

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.