Romania’s slot licences crash from 43,306 to 15,462
FEDBET says local authorities, not market forces, are behind the collapse in machine licences.
The hit
Romania’s gambling trade body FEDBET has called on the government to step in after slot machine licences collapsed under a new emergency ordinance, according to SBC News. FEDBET, which represents 90% of the market, blames local authorities for failing to adopt decisions required under the rules, not commercial factors.
Why it matters
The ordinance moved casino oversight from the national regulator to local councils, letting individual counties ban slot venues outright. For operators, that means fragmentation, with investment planning turned into guesswork as licences disappear county by county.
The record
| OUG 7/2026 introduced | February 2026, shifting casino oversight from the ONJN to local authorities |
|---|---|
| Slot machine licences | Down from 43,306 in March to 15,462 by 1 November (ONJN data) |
| Jobs affected | Around 8,500 since February (FEDBET) |
| Counties & cities banning slot venues | Iași (first, July), Bacău, Sibiu, Brăila, Slatina, Zalău |
| Operator response | Super Technologies repurposing Superbet venues to keep staff employed |
What happens next
Watch which counties follow Iași in banning slot venues, & whether Romania’s government responds to FEDBET’s call for intervention.
Sources: Romanian gov’t urged to step in as casino sector shrinks rapidly
Named in this story? Reply to newsdesk@infobets.com & we publish it.
18+. Betting involves risk. If gambling is a problem for you or someone close to you, help is available.
Work with BH Group. Paid ads that get iGaming & crypto brands players & users, in the GEOs you choose. Get a plan
Discussion
Ask a question, add useful context or share a source. Keep it relevant & respectful.
Add a comment
Comments are reviewed before publication.