Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Eastern Europe

Q&A w/ Jean-Pierre Houareau, CEO at Live Solutions about the Romanian market

Published

on

Reading Time: 5 minutes

 

What is the state of play in the Romanian market?

In 2019, the Romanian gambling market generated a total revenue of €1.5 billion, representing an increase of 12.5% compared to the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by the online gambling sector, which accounted for nearly 25% of the total market share.

The Romanian gambling market is regulated by the National Gambling Office (ONJN), which oversees licensing and regulation of all forms of gambling in the country. In recent years, the ONJN has implemented stricter regulations for online gambling operators, including mandatory technical standards, responsible gambling measures, and increased taxation.

Despite these regulations, the Romanian gambling market continues to attract new players and operators. In 2020, several major international gambling companies received licenses to operate in Romania, including bet365, Betfair, and 888 Holdings. Additionally, the Romanian government has recently announced plans to further liberalize the gambling market, including plans to allow for the construction of large-scale casinos in certain areas.

It is worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Romanian gambling market, as it has in many other countries. During the pandemic, many land-based casinos and betting shops were forced to close, leading to a surge in online gambling activity. It remains to be seen how the pandemic will continue to impact the Romanian gambling market in the long term.

 

How are your games helping operators to unlock the market’s full potential?

Here at Live Solutions we have created of its kind casino tables games with video chat which currently no other provider offers. In our opinion, operators can create differentiation for themselves by offering unique, innovative and engaging games to attract and retain players.

Our features are nothing if not unique and innovative and are available in 55 languages which can help to drive players towards new content.

The incorporation of this technology within the gaming space can offer a more immersive and interactive gambling experience. These new technologies can help to create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for players, which can lead to increased player loyalty and retention.

Overall, by offering a wide range of innovative and engaging games, operators can meet the needs and preferences of players, differentiate themselves from their competitors, and create a more sustainable and successful gambling market.

 

Why do you consider Romania to be such an important market?

Romania has a population of over 19 million people, making it one of the larger markets in Europe. This represents a significant potential customer base for gambling operators, both online and land-based.

The Romanian gambling market is relatively new and has been growing rapidly in recent years, which has attracted a lot of interest from international gambling companies. This growth is likely to continue as the Romanian economy continues to develop and the demand for gambling entertainment increases.

Romania has a relatively low tax rate on gambling activities, which makes it an attractive destination for operators looking to minimize their tax liabilities. This has helped to attract new operators to the market, which in turn has increased competition and driven further growth.

As a member of the European Union (EU) Romania benefits from EU regulations and protections. This provides a stable regulatory environment for operators and helps to ensure the safety and security of customers.

 

Do player preferences differ from other markets? What does localisation look like in Romania?

Player preferences in the Romanian gambling market may differ from other markets due to cultural and demographic differences. However, there are also many similarities between the Romanian market and other European markets in terms of player preferences.

In terms of localisation, many international gambling operators have adapted their products and services to meet the needs and preferences of Romanian players. This may involve translating their websites and games into Romanian, offering local payment methods, and providing customer support in Romanian. Some operators may also offer localized promotions and bonuses that are tailored specifically to the Romanian market.

Additionally, the ONJN has implemented strict regulations for online gambling operators that require them to offer games that are appropriate for Romanian players. This may include games that are popular in Romania, such as traditional card games like Baccarat or Rummy, as well as popular slot games.

While there may be some differences in player preferences in the Romanian market, many international gambling operators have adapted their products and services to meet the needs of local players, and the ONJN has implemented regulations to ensure that operators are offering appropriate games for the market. This localisation helps to ensure that the Romanian gambling market remains attractive and accessible to both local and international operators.

 

What is the competitive landscape like? Is there room for operators to enter and claim solid market share?

While there are some established operators in the market, there is still a significant amount of competition and opportunities for new entrants.

In the online gambling sector, there are a number of international operators that have entered the market, including major players such as Bet365, 888 Holdings, and PokerStars. Additionally, there are also several local operators that have been successful in the market, including Superbet, Fortuna, and Netbet.

In the land-based sector, there are a number of casinos and slot parlours operating in Romania, including the famous Casino Bucharest and Palace Casino.

The ONJN has implemented strict regulations for online gambling operators, including technical standards, responsible gambling measures, and increased taxation, which may present some challenges for new operators entering the market. However, these regulations also help to ensure the safety and security of customers and provide a level playing field for all operators.

Overall, the Romanian gambling market offers opportunities for new operators to enter and claim solid market share, particularly in the online gambling sector, which has seen significant growth in recent years. However, competition is strong and new entrants will need to offer attractive products and services to compete with established operators.

 

What are some of the challenges being faced?  How can they be overcome?

There are several challenges facing the Romanian gambling market, including:

Increasing taxes: The Romanian government has increased taxes on gambling activities, which has put pressure on operators’ margins and profitability.

Stringent regulations: The ONJN has implemented strict regulations for online gambling operators, which may make it more difficult for new operators to enter the market and compete with established operators.

Competition: The Romanian gambling market is becoming increasingly competitive, with many established operators and new entrants vying for market share.

Problem gambling: As with any gambling market, there is a risk of problem gambling, which can have negative social and economic consequences.

To overcome these challenges, operators and regulators can take several steps, including:

Collaboration and advocacy: Operators can work together and with industry associations to advocate for more favourable tax and regulatory policies.

Innovation: Operators can differentiate themselves by offering innovative products and services that meet the changing needs and preferences of players.

Customer protection: Operators can invest in responsible gambling measures, such as self-exclusion tools, to help protect vulnerable players.

Localisation: Operators can adapt their products and services to meet the needs and preferences of local players, which can help to build brand loyalty and increase market share.

Education: Operators and regulators can work together to educate players about the risks associated with gambling and promote responsible gambling behaviours.

Overall, by working together, operators and regulators can help to create a sustainable and successful gambling market in Romania that balances the needs of operators, players, and society as a whole.

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Balkan's

BEGE and EEGS Unveil Visionary 2025 Concept Focusing on Proximity, Collaboration, and AI

Published

on

bege-and-eegs-unveil-visionary-2025-concept-focusing-on-proximity,-collaboration,-and-ai
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

BEGE (Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo) and EEGS (Eastern European Gaming Summit) are excited to announce their groundbreaking 2025 concept, which emphasizes the critical importance of proximity, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies – all while integrating the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence.

At the heart of this initiative is a strong commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the industry. Together, BEGE and EEGS are creating a vibrant platform for networking and idea exchange, bringing industry leaders together to explore the future of gaming. With multiple networking opportunities throughout the BEGE and EEGS, attendees will have countless chances to engage with one another, share insights, and forge valuable partnerships.

“The power of community is essential to our mission,” says Natalia Baevska, Project Manager of BEGE and EEGS. “By collaborating, we can harness our collective strengths to unlock new opportunities for growth within the region.”

Nino Berezhiani, Marketing Manager, highlights the significance of the initiative’s theme, “Proximity to Potential: Where Every Piece Matters.” She explains, “This slogan captures the essence of our vision. It underscores the idea that every connection and collaboration serves as a vital piece of a larger puzzle, driving innovation and success in our industry. We are excited to create an environment where companies can showcase their achievements, celebrate excellence and engage in meaningful dialogue.”

In addition to the networking events, the initiative will feature an impressive lineup of thought-provoking lectures and lively panel discussions led by industry experts, all designed to spark engagement and collaboration.

Furthermore, the integration of AI into this initiative promises to elevate gaming experiences and enhance operational efficiency, setting a new benchmark for innovation in the sector.

With this ambitious initiative, BEGE and EEGS are poised to transform the gaming landscape in the Balkans, encouraging all stakeholders to come together and actively shape the industry’s future.

The post BEGE and EEGS Unveil Visionary 2025 Concept Focusing on Proximity, Collaboration, and AI appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Compliance Updates

Ukraine Creates New Agency Named “PlayCity” to Control Gambling and Lotteries

Published

on

ukraine-creates-new-agency-named-“playcity”-to-control-gambling-and-lotteries
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Ukraine has created a new agency named “PlayCity” to control state policy in the field of gambling and lotteries.

The work of “PlayCity” will be coordinated by the Cabinet of Ministers through the Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology — Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov.

In 2025, the agency will be financed within the budget of the liquidated Gambling Commission (CRGL).

In December 2024, the parliament decided to liquidate CRGL and transfer gambling regulation functions to the Ministry of Digital Economy. It was decided to automate licenses to remove the human factor from the process and reduce corruption.

The post Ukraine Creates New Agency Named “PlayCity” to Control Gambling and Lotteries appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Eastern Europe

GGBET UA is expanding its presence in football: first press conference with FC Zorya held in Kyiv

Published

on

ggbet-ua-is-expanding-its-presence-in-football:-first-press-conference-with-fc-zorya-held-in-kyiv
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

The first media event as part of FC Zorya Luhansk’s partnership with their title sponsor, GGBET UA, has taken place in Kyiv. Zorya is the second Ukrainian football team that the brand has successfully collaborated with. The partnership with the leading betting brand has boosted Zorya’s media activity and brought the club closer to fans.

By working with GGBET UA, Zorya have strengthened their presence on social media, regularly sharing engaging and interactive content. Thanks to this new strategy for interacting with fans, the reach and engagement of certain types of social media posts have doubled. The club have launched an updated version of their official site, where you can now find all the information about their history and current activities. Zorya will also soon be delighting fans by launching an official fan shop.

This approach to the partnership between GGBET UA and FC Zorya Luhansk is bringing the team closer to their fans, creating real value for all involved, and promoting Ukrainian football.

GGBET UA CEO Sergii Mishchenko shared his thoughts about the collaboration and the future of the partnership: “GGBET chooses its partners carefully. Signing football clubs just for the sake of a portfolio is not the approach we take. Shared values, a drive for growth, and a desire to evolve and improve are all important to us. Our partnership with FC Zorya is a brilliant example of our philosophy when it comes to collaboration. We only started working together at the end of 2024, and we’re already seeing results. And we have many new and interesting things to look forward to in the future.”

During the press conference, club representatives also shared the results of their winter training sessions and discussed how the team is preparing for the second half of the Ukrainian Premier League season. The club also announced that it has signed some new players: Bosnia’s Dejan Popara and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Bilotserkovets.

You may recall that previously GGBET UA broadened its support for Ukrainian football by partnering with FC Dynamo Kyiv. A press conference with the club was held in autumn 2024 and was an important step forward in terms of strengthening the brand’s ties with Ukrainian football.

The post GGBET UA is expanding its presence in football: first press conference with FC Zorya held in Kyiv appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending