Romania has introduced a new tiered tax structure on gambling winnings, with the revised regime taking effect from 1 August 2026. The changes were approved in July by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s government as part of a broader fiscal programme designed to reduce Romania’s budget deficit.
The country currently has the highest deficit in Central Europe at around 7% of GDP, above the limit set by the European Commission. Under the new framework, online gambling winnings are subject to higher withholding tax across all three bands.
Winnings up to RON10,000 are now taxed at 4%, compared with 3% previously. Prizes between RON10,001 and RON66,750 are taxed at RON400 plus 20% of the amount exceeding RON10,000.
Winnings above RON66,750 are taxed at RON11,750 plus 40% of the amount above that threshold.
Fiscal reforms arrive alongside pressure on the gambling regulator
These gambling changes form part of Bolojan’s first wave of fiscal measures since taking office in June. The government has also increased VAT, raised excise duties and tightened taxation across several sectors as it works to meet commitments agreed with the European Commission.
The election of Bolojan and President Nicușor Dan in 2025 has renewed political momentum behind the gambling reforms. This four-party governing coalition includes the Social Democratic Party, National Liberal Party, Save Romania Union and the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania.
USR has been critical of the National Office for Gambling, arguing that the regulator should lose some supervisory responsibilities and face stronger institutional oversight. Those calls intensified after audit findings in 2025 and recent investigations involving one former and one current senior ONJN official over alleged corruption.
The increased pressure on the regulator comes as lawmakers debate a restructuring of Romania’s licensing and supervisory framework.
Government also considers tougher consumer protection rules and age limits
PSD members have also pushed for stricter consumer protection rules, including a proposal to raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21.
Supporters argue that tougher age restrictions are needed to address concerns about youth gambling participation and related harm. The proposal has not yet secured parliamentary approval.
Therefore, the latest tax increases arrive with a policy shift in Romania, where the government is trying to raise more revenue from the gambling sector and increase regulator scrutiny.
Romania has approved higher taxes on gambling winnings starting from 1 August, 2026. These reforms were part of wider changes to the country’s gambling industry by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. A four-party coalition has also been formed to support Romania’s latest regulatory efforts.
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