Romania’s government has overhauled gambling regulations through an emergency decree that allows municipalities to restrict or ban betting shops and slot machine halls, in the most significant tightening of the industry in the country’s history. Licensed operators must now obtain both a national permit and local authorisation to open a gambling venue, giving mayors and local councils decisive veto power.
At least nine cities have already announced plans to pursue full bans, including Slatina in the south, where Mayor Mario De Mezzo has vowed to eliminate all gambling halls as existing licences expire. “The simplest solution was to eliminate these businesses entirely from the city. They are toxic for society,” he said. Officials estimate that more than 200 localities could follow suit.
Until now, gambling halls were authorised centrally without city approval, leaving communities powerless even as venues proliferated near schools and residential areas. MP Diana Stoica, who led the legislative campaign, said: “From now on, local authorities can clearly say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. If they say yes, they can decide exactly where these venues can operate and under what conditions.”
The Romanian gambling sector is a multibillion-euro market, generating close to €1bn in state taxes in 2025, despite official audits identifying millions in uncollected revenue. Advocates for tighter regulation argue the economic benefits come at a great social cost. “This is a public health problem,” Stoica said. “Gambling addiction has the highest suicide rate of any addiction.” She noted that previously, opening a flower shop required a city hall permit, while a gambling venue did not.
Mayor De Mezzo cited a case in Slatina where a 27-year-old man killed himself after losing large sums gambling. “That was the moment I decided these gambling halls must disappear,” he said. He rejected arguments that cities would lose valuable revenue, adding: “If saving even one life means postponing the paving of three streets until next year, it’s worth it.”
