Romania’s gambling sector is in a frenzy, with over 7 million active players. Roughly 1 million of them bet on sports choosing between the 23 locally-licensed brands or new and appealing international sites.
The Romanian market is well-regulated by the ONJN and brands under that license are widely preferred. However, taxation of winnings can reach up to 40%, which can be a burden for a number of bettors.
We covered the top betting sites in Romania, how to play and what you must know about local and international sites in this article, so keep reading. Before we get started, though, let’s check 3 of the best brands you can find in the country.
Bookmaker Comparison | Local Licensed | International |
Licensing | ONJN | Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators |
Payments | Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Mobiano, Mobile Payments, Bank Wires | Debit Cards, Credit Cards, E-wallets, Cryptos, 30+ Other Options |
User Experience | Fully localised for Romanian users (language & currency) | Few sites support the Romanian language |
KYC Verification | Mandatory | Depending on the website |
Taxation | Up to 40% - Progressive | No Taxation |
Although both local and offshore sportsbooks seem to share similar attributes, the option to bet tax-free and access more promotions while maintaining a low profile is enough to give avid bettors an edge. Below, we list the top betting sites you can access in Romania.
Which Are the Top Romanian Betting Sites?
How Do We Rate Sports Betting Sites in Romania - Our Process
In our selection process of sports betting sites in Romania, we adhere to a strict set of criteria to ensure only high-ranking operators make the cut. Among the key highlights, we pay close attention to local currency support, the number of available markets across all sports, if specific promotions like free bets are offered, and how fast transactions are processed.
Localization
It’s important as a Romanian player to be able to hold account balances in RON and make transactions the same way. This enables you to avoid hefty currency exchange fees, whilst also offering an authentic, local touch to the betting experience. As such, this is one of the most important factors we consider in our vetting decision.
Markets
Whether you’re a football expert or a fan of niche sports like darts, bandy or floorball, you must have access to a plethora of pre-match and live markets. We also pay close attention to the odds to make sure they are advantageous and fair. In addition, if a bookmaker offers other features like Auto Cash Out, Bet Builder and Fast Markets, it goes higher on our list.
Promotions
To boost your win potential and keep you engaged, top Romanian bookies also provide tailored bonuses for punters, such as match deposit deals, seasonal free bets on specific markets or leagues, Combo Boost offers and such. The more, the merrier. We also double-check the T&Cs on your behalf to confirm the wagering requirements are reasonable.
Payments
Certain payment methods are more widely used and preferred by Romanians for gambling purposes, which is why we confirm they are present on our recommended bookies as well. These include local options like bank transfer and Revolut, pre-paid methods such as Paysafecard and popular e-wallets like Skrill and NETELLER.
Transaction Speed
If you have a winning ticket, the last thing you want is to wait around forever when it’s cash out time. Another aspect we verify is that the payment methods listed allow fast withdrawal times, ideally instant or in 24-48 hours at most for e-wallets.
KYC
Finally, the identity verification process should be clearly outlined, with easy instructions for Romanian players. They should be informed when to submit their documents and the exact format, as well as the approximate time it takes to receive approval. It’s essential for a bookie to have a straightforward KYC procedure to avoid any potential withdrawal delays.
What To Remember About Online Betting in Romania
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Player Protection |
2.400.000+ | 18 | Romanian Leu | ONJN |
The Romanian online casino and betting market was officially regulated in 2009, through the Government Emergency Ordinance No. 77/2009. This law provided definitions for different gambling products, such as lottery, betting, casino games, poker games and land-based slot machines, alongside directives on how they would be organized and operated.
In 2013, the Romanian Office for Gambling was founded (ONJN or ‘Oficiul Național pentru Jocurile de Noroc’) after the passing of another government ordinance. Today, it’s the sole institution and regulatory body overseeing online betting in Romania.
Is Betting Legal in Romania?
Both land-based and online betting are legal in Romania, provided that the operators secure a local license from ONJN and pay the applicable fees. Participation in online betting is allowed only for players who are of legal gambling age (18+), which is typically verified through an ID.
KYC is mandatory when playing on Romanian bookmakers online, with players having to supply documents within 30 days after registration or after the first deposit. If they don’t, the account will be closed automatically and no withdrawal requests will be processed.
What is the Betting Tax?
Romania’s Fiscal Code had a series of changes over the years, with the most recent one being the law 227/2015. The country considers taxable income all gross sums derived from participating in luck-based games, irrespective of the game type, meaning the thresholds below also apply to betting winnings:
- Wins of up to 10,000 RON - 3% tax
- Wins between 10,001 RON and 66,750 RON - 300 RON fixed tax + 20% on the amount exceeding 10,000 RON
- Wins of over 66,750 RON - 11,650 RON fixed tax + 40% for on the amount exceeding 66,750 RON
Do keep in mind that this tiered tax system is not present on international bookies, only when playing on locally-licensed sites.
Can I Play on International Bookmakers?
In recent years, the country regulator, ONJN, has started cracking down on sites operating abroad and targeting Romanian players. Upon trying to access offshore bookmakers, locals are met with a government block through the internet service provider and a targeted message from ONJN. Luckily, residents opt for certain workarounds to bypass it, such as VPN services.
In stark contrast to betting sites in Romania, international bookies offer a host of other benefits, including higher odds, up to 3,000 daily events with 1,200+ markets per game, a more relaxed KYC process and higher betting limits.
Are Betting Apps Available in Romania?
Following a steady rise in technology and mobile use across the country, both betting and gambling have made a smooth transition from traditional shops to the digital environment. A significant majority of Romanians prefer to bet on the go, from smartphones and tablets, valuing aspects such as flexibility and convenience.
Many sportsbooks have dedicated Android and iOS apps you can download from Google Store and App Store. If you don’t know where to start, our recommended apps for local bettors are 22bet and Megapari.
Betting Exchange in Romania
Players who are worried about rigged odds and fairness prefer to use online betting exchanges as opposed to regular bookies. These sites allow you to wager against other players instead of the house and they charge a small commission for providing the service. Betfair and Matchbook are the biggest betting exchanges available in Romania.
However, liquidity issues, fees and fewer betting options are the primary drawbacks to consider, which is why we recommend joining traditional Romanian betting sites for access to more markets, including special ones (e.g. the results of local elections).
What Are The Most Popular Sports in Romania Betting?
The favourable regulatory landscape, accessible licensing costs and enthusiastic participation from local players have all contributed to the rise of Romania betting. The sector has doubled its revenue in just 5 years, from $87 million in 2019 to $179.6 million in 2024, and the future prospects are equally promising. Locals primarily engage in football, alongside other popular options like handball, volleyball and basketball.
Football Betting in Romania
Football is, without a doubt, the most popular sport in Romania, with a significant percentage of the population engaging with it as spectators from the sidelines or active bettors. Presently, the most beloved Romanian football teams are Steaua București (FCSB), Dinamo București and Cluj, competing in Liga 1, the national top tournament.
Although local Romanian betting sites allow you to wager on your favourite clubs, the number of options is more limited compared to offshore bookies. The latter offer double the markets and odds of up to 96% on Liga 1 and Europa League, plus special bets on players and match events (e.g. draw no bet, both teams to score in 1st half, goalscorer.).
Basketball Betting in Romania
Basketball also has a relatively large and loyal fanbase, with the top local league being the Romanian Basketball Division A (Liga Națională or LNBM). If you’re a basketball enthusiast, you don’t have to jump through hoops in search of the right destination for you.
Our suggested sites provide an extensive coverage of hot local leagues like Liga 1 and Liga Națională, alongside international competitions such as NBA, Euroleague and Eurocup. Up to 100+ markets with live player props are supported on international platforms, which you won’t find on local Romanian bookmakers. On top, a live stream is available to track the action in real-time.
Handball Betting in Romania
Handball also holds a special place in Romanian sports history and it’s an undisputed favourite with punters. The Romania men’s national handball team has won the Handball IHF World Cup a record 4 times from 1961 to 1974.
At the moment, Liga Națională is the country’s domestic league, dominated by Dinamo București, which is also Romania’s representative at the EHF Handball Champions League. The best online bookmakers allow Romanians to try their luck on the EHF with over 20 markets per match, including totals, handicaps, half time and team bets.
Romania Tennis Betting
Romanians have also shown interest in tennis, and many players that achieved worldwide fame originated from the country, including Ilie Năstase, winner of several Grand Slam titles and dozens of tournaments. Simona Halep is another notable name, taking the crown in ATP and WTA, which brought even more viewership to the sport.
Numerous Romania betting apps offer excellent tennis coverage for pre-match and live events. You may wager on the ATP tour, but also on smaller Challenger Cup tournaments. Popular supported markets include WDW, Set Totals, Point Specials, Handicap Sets, Total Games Odd/Even etc.
How To Bet Online in Romania - Step-By-Step
Eager to start your global betting adventure as a Romanian player? Luckily, the registration process is extremely easy if you venture internationally, and you won’t have to worry about strict KYC, either. Here are the exact steps to follow:
- 1 Find A Bookie & Register: First, browse the list compiled by our team in search of the right bookie for your needs. Then, click on the desired option, navigate to the registration page and complete the form with your personal details (full name, e-mail address, password etc.). Finish by confirming you’re at least 18+ and agree to the site T&Cs.
- 2 Deposit: After confirming the information submitted previously, your new account is ready to be used. Head over to the ‘deposit’ or ‘cashier’ section and choose one of the supported payment methods to make your first top-up (e.g. Skrill, NETELLER etc.).
- 3 Bonus: Take a look over the available sports bonuses for new players and make sure you activate the one you want beforehand. Popular options you may find depend on the operator, but often include first deposit matches and free bets.
- 4 Start Playing: Now you’re ready to use your bonus on a plethora of markets, extend your bankroll and revel in the live action. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the T&Cs as well, so you make the best out of the current offer.
Which Are the Top Payment Methods for Betting in Romania?
To ensure a pleasant and flexible experience when betting in Romania for local players, licensed sites integrate numerous payment methods. These include traditional options like bank transfer, credit & debit cards, next to newer alternatives like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Below, we’ll share the best methods to use online and their key perks:
⏩ Skrill: Skrill supports 40+ currencies, including RON, allows instant deposits and fast withdrawals (24-48 hours maximum). Most importantly, due to the payment provider’s global coverage and integration with top brands, it’s extremely easy to find Skrill betting sites online.
⏩ Neteller: A past competitor to Skrill, NETELLER is now owned by the same parent company as Skrill, which is Paysafe Group. NETELLER functions similarly to Skrill. You may create an account with just an e-mail address and a password, then pay securely online, without directly revealing your banking details. The number of NETELLER bookmakers is also significant, meaning that Romanians are spoiled for choice.
⏩ Revolut: At the present moment, Revolut has more than 4 million clients in Romania. Because it’s such a popular market, it’s no surprise that numerous Revolut betting sites exist as well. The service offers instant deposits, multicurrency support, including RON, low transfer fees and pre-paid debit cards to spend your balance.
⏩ USDT / Crypto: International bookies fill a much needed gap in the local market, as no Romanian-licensed operators currently accept cryptocurrencies for deposits, withdrawals or game bets. If you’re a tech-savvy bettor, we advise considering the best Tether bookmakers from abroad. Practically, since it’s a stable coin, USDT betting protects you from the inherent fluctuations of other cryptocurrencies, while offering the same anonymity.
Are There Any Withdrawal Limits?
Each licensed Romanian betting site is required by law to comply with several player protection measures, including responsible gambling, KYC and AML. As such, from the account settings, members can set their own daily/weekly/monthly deposit limits to better control spending.
In terms of withdrawals, although, in theory, no fixed limits are set, extra verifications become mandatory for large transactions on local operators. Payments above €15,000 are usually reported to tax authorities, but also subjected to AML and source of funds verifications to prevent fraud.
Thankfully, on our recommended sites, these issues won’t be present, as you can deposit and withdraw bigger amounts without worrying about advanced KYC. To stay in the clear, we advise going for cryptocurrency or another more private method, instead of bank transfer.
Which International Betting Sites Accept RON?
Our team makes sure to carefully scour the internet in search of secure betting sites for Romanian players that also provide local currency support. This aspect is essential, because it saves you from opening new bank accounts or balances in other currencies. Transacting directly in RON also means you avoid exchange fees and can easily spend winnings derived from an offshore bookie in your home country. Last but not least, you get to enjoy the same local experience, even if you swim in international waters.
The Future of Romania Betting
Despite the regulation of the online Romania bet market in 2016 and the establishment of a licensing authority in 2013, the number of licensed bookmakers that operate in Romania is quite small.
Big international brands, such as Bet365 Romania and William Hill Romania, were forced to leave the market due to the back taxes that were imposed on bookies’ profits from 2010 till 2015 and stopped accepting local bettors.
Nevertheless, there are other international bookies that keep accepting Romanians and don’t seem interested in applying for a local license due to the high tax rates. The crafty Romanian bettors have already shown their preference towards these bookies and found ways to bypass the government's attempts to block them.
Thus, the authorities should focus on protecting the players' interests and let competition improve the local market by finding ways to make it more attractive to international brands.
Gambling Regulations in Nearby Countries
⏩ Moldova: has legalized gambling overseen by the government. All are land-based, and some online operators have obtained licenses. However, many of the Moldova betting sites are international and unlicensed, which is why you might want to consider betting under the radar with these bookies.
⏩ Bulgaria: regulated its gambling market as well, enabling players to bet legally with any licensed casino, bet shop, or even the state lottery. Some of the top brands, like Bet365, are fully compliant, but this does not apply to all betting sites in Bulgaria. Players will not be prosecuted for choosing these bookies, though they can get blacklisted and their domains blocked.
⏩ Ukraine: had just legalized gambling when the war happened, and the government's priorities shifted. In regards to the Ukraine betting sites, though some operators like Parimatch were able to get the license, many bookmakers operate without one, or they withdrew from the market till further notice.
Bet365 is one of the biggest global brands that hasn’t applied for a Romanian license and was actually forced by ONJN to exit the local market. Therefore, you cannot use Bet365 if you reside in Romania.
William Hill is yet another big international brand that decided to exit the Romanian market and don’t apply for a local license due to the high taxation. It was then deemed illegal by ONJN and got blacklisted.
Bwin is one of the biggest global brands that hasn’t applied for a Romanian license and subsequently it was included on the blacklist issued by ONJN. It doesn’t accept local bettors, therefore you cannot use Bwin Romania.
If you want to add an extra layer of security to your betting sessions, a VPN is a good option. However, we’d advise you to use it with caution, as many sportsbooks can detect irregularities in IPs and have your account blocked.