Executive Summary
Romania’s gambling regulator, the National Office for Gambling (ONJN), announced a sweeping enforcement action this week. More than 300 illegal gambling websites were taken offline, 60 gambling licenses were revoked, and a €5 million state‑funded addiction treatment program was launched. A Romanian court also upheld the regulator’s decision to keep the crypto‑prediction market Polymarket banned nationwide.
What Happened
During its 2025‑2026 activity report period, ONJN identified and blocked over 300 websites operating without proper authorization. The regulator simultaneously revoked 60 gambling licenses that were found to be non‑compliant with Romanian law. In parallel, ONJN unveiled a €5 million addiction treatment initiative, marking the first state‑funded program of its kind in the country.
In a related legal development, a Romanian court confirmed the regulator’s blacklist, ensuring that the crypto‑prediction platform Polymarket remains prohibited throughout Romania.
Background / Context
ONJN, chaired by Vlad‑Cristian Soare, oversees all gambling activities in Romania, ranging from traditional casinos to online betting platforms. The regulator’s mandate includes licensing operators, enforcing compliance, and protecting consumers from gambling‑related harms.
Illegal online gambling has grown steadily, exploiting gaps in enforcement and offering unregulated services to Romanian users. The regulator’s latest crackdown reflects a broader strategy to tighten oversight and reduce the prevalence of unlicensed operators.
Polymarket, a decentralized prediction market that allows users to bet on real‑world events using cryptocurrency, had been operating in a legal gray area. Romanian authorities previously flagged the platform for lacking a gambling license. The recent court ruling confirms that the platform’s activities violate national gambling legislation.
Reactions
Vlad‑Cristian Soare highlighted the regulator’s commitment to a safer gambling environment, emphasizing that the new addiction treatment program will provide essential support to individuals affected by problem gambling.
The court’s decision was praised by consumer protection groups, who argued that allowing unlicensed crypto‑prediction markets could expose users to fraud and financial loss. Legal experts noted that the ruling sets a clear precedent for how decentralized platforms will be treated under Romanian law.
Operators whose licenses were revoked expressed disappointment, claiming that some of the actions were based on technical non‑compliance rather than deliberate wrongdoing. Nevertheless, they acknowledged the regulator’s authority to enforce licensing standards.
What It Means
The crackdown signals a decisive shift toward stricter regulatory enforcement in Romania’s gambling sector. By targeting both traditional illegal operators and emerging crypto‑based platforms, ONJN is drawing a line around what it deems acceptable gambling activity.
The €5 million addiction treatment fund underscores a growing recognition of gambling‑related harm as a public‑health issue. The program aims to expand access to counseling, rehabilitation, and preventive education, potentially setting a model for other EU nations.
For the crypto community, the Polymarket ban clarifies that decentralized prediction markets will be subject to the same licensing requirements as conventional gambling services. This may prompt operators to seek formal authorization or reconsider their presence in the Romanian market.
What Happens Next
ONJN plans to roll out the addiction treatment program over the coming months, partnering with healthcare providers and NGOs to deliver services nationwide. The regulator also indicated that further audits of existing licensees will continue, with additional enforcement actions possible if non‑compliance persists.
Legal analysts anticipate that the Polymarket decision could be appealed, but any successful challenge would likely need to address the core licensing issue. Meanwhile, other crypto‑prediction platforms may face similar scrutiny as regulators align their policies with the court’s ruling.
Stakeholders are watching closely to see how Romania’s approach influences broader EU discussions on regulating online gambling and crypto‑based betting services.