Romania: Higher Gambling Taxes Will Drive Players to the Black Market, AOJND Warns

Increasing taxes on gambling operations in Romania will not boost state revenues but will instead trigger a mass migration of players to the black market, warns the Romanian Remote Gambling Operators Association (AOJND). According to the association, such a shift would expose players to unregulated environments and have severe economic and social repercussions.

Licensed online gambling operators in Romania already face a cumulative tax burden of up to 30% of gross gaming revenue. AOJND emphasizes that any additional tax increases would be economically unsustainable for operators and would inevitably be passed on to players. The result? A mass exodus toward unlicensed platforms that offer fewer restrictions and more aggressive incentives.

A Growing Threat: Black Market Gambling

Earlier this year, AOJND commissioned a survey that revealed alarming data: 14.07% of Romanian players admitted to using unlicensed gambling websites. The key reasons for this behavior were:

• More attractive bonuses and rewards (59.46%) — perks that unlicensed operators can afford since they pay no taxes in Romania.

• Excessive taxation on licensed sites (18.92%).

• No requirement to justify the origin of played funds (11.76%).

Meanwhile, the economic impact is already showing: in 2024, tax revenues from the gambling industry dropped by nearly 17%, totaling €689 million, according to Romania’s National Office for Gambling (ONJN). This decline coincided with increased tax burdens across the sector.

Eroding Player Protections

AOJND also highlights the risk to players who turn to unlicensed platforms. These operators are not bound by Romanian regulations and do not offer any of the mandatory safeguards provided by licensed operators, including:

• Self-exclusion options

• Deposit and betting limits

• Financial eligibility checks

• Responsible gambling awareness campaigns

“Additional taxation will only push more players into the arms of unlicensed operators,” stated Odeta Nestor, President of AOJND. “Without legal protection, these players face a much higher risk of gambling addiction, fraud, and other criminal activities. This policy would undermine years of progress in ensuring safe and responsible gambling environments.”

About AOJND

The Romanian Remote Gambling Operators Association (AOJND) was founded in 2017 to unify and represent the interests of Romania’s licensed online gambling operators. Its mission is to promote fair, responsible, and transparent gaming practices in a regulated framework.

AOJND members include prominent brands such as:

EFBET, FRANK CASINO, EFORTUNA, LAS VEGAS, WINBET, CASA PARIURILOR, BETANO, MAXBET, STANLEYBET, NETBET, POKERSTARS, UNIBET, MOZZART, GETSBET, PLAYGG, 888, and WINNER.

Final Thoughts

As Romania considers changes to its gambling tax regime, AOJND’s message is clear: heavier taxation is not a path to sustainable revenue, but a shortcut to destabilization. The black market thrives in the shadows of overregulation. To protect players, preserve state income, and ensure industry integrity, a balanced, forward-looking approach is essential.

For more information about AOJND and its advocacy for responsible iGaming in Romania, visit AOJND’s official site.