TLDR Romania’s new gambling winnings tax took effect on August 1, 2026. The tiered system raises tax rates on larger payouts, up to 40%. The change is part of PM Ilie Bolojan’s plan to cut the budget deficit. Romania’s gambling regulator, ONJN, faces fresh corruption allegations. A deputy director general is accused of taking bribes to speed up approvals.
Romania started a new tax system on gambling winnings on August 1, 2026. The change is part of a wider plan by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan to fix the country’s budget problems.
Romania’s budget deficit sits at 7% of GDP. That is the highest in Central Europe.
The European Commission set a lower limit for member states to follow. Romania’s government wants to meet that target.
New Tax Brackets Explained
The new system has three tax levels based on the size of winnings. Each level charges a different rate.
Winnings up to RON10,000, or about €2,000, are now taxed at 4%. The old rate was 3%.
Winnings between RON10,001 and RON66,750 face a flat fee of RON400 plus 20% of the amount over RON10,000.
Winnings above RON66,750 face a higher charge. Players pay RON11,750 plus 40% of the amount over that limit.
The new rates apply across all payout levels, not just large prizes.
Bolojan’s government has also raised VAT and excise duties as part of the same fiscal plan. He was elected in 2025 alongside President Nicușor Dan.
Their win gave new energy to plans to change gambling laws and licensing rules.
Romania’s coalition government includes four parties: PSD, PNL, USR, and UDMR. Each group has different goals for the gambling reforms.
USR wants to reduce the power of the National Office for Gambling, known as ONJN. The party says last year’s audit findings raised concerns about