Romania has introduced higher taxes on gambling winnings as part of its wider fiscal reform programme, increasing the amount deducted from players when they withdraw prizes from licensed operators.
Under the revised tax framework, the lowest tax bracket on gambling winnings has increased from 3% to 4%. Winnings of up to RON 10,000 (€2,000) are now taxed at 4%, while larger payouts remain subject to Romania’s progressive tax system. For withdrawals between RON 10,001 and RON 66,750, players pay RON 400 plus 20% of the amount exceeding RON 10,000. Winnings above RON 66,750 are taxed at RON 11,750 plus 40% of the amount above that threshold. The tax is calculated and withheld by operators at the time of each withdrawal.
The updated rates form part of the government’s broader package of budgetary measures aimed at strengthening public finances. The changes apply across licensed gambling products, including online casinos, sports betting and other regulated games, with operators remaining responsible for calculating, withholding and remitting the tax to the state.
The latest tax increase comes as Romania continues to reshape its gambling sector through a series of regulatory reforms. Over the past year, authorities have tightened financial oversight of licensed operators, expanded regulatory controls and introduced stricter compliance requirements following concerns over tax collection and market supervision.
At the same time, lawmakers are pursuing additional responsible gambling measures, including stronger local oversight of retail gambling venues and proposals affecting player protection and advertising. The government has positioned these reforms as part of a broader effort to improve transparency, increase state revenues and strengthen supervision of one of Central and Eastern Europe’s largest regulated gambling markets.