Superbet Fights Back Against Municipal Gambling Bans in Romania

The gambling landscape in Romania is undergoing a seismic shift as the government implements stricter controls on land-based operations. Super Technologies, formerly known as Superbet Group, has taken a firm stance to protect its workforce and assets following a wave of municipal bans. The catalyst for this change is the Emergency Ordinance OUG 7/2026, signed by PM Ilie Bolojan on February 24. This measure decentralized the licensing process, moving authority from the National Gambling Office (ONJN) to local municipal councils and mayors, allowing them to dictate where and if gambling can occur within their boundaries.

Cities such as Slatina, Bacău, Sibiu, and various districts in Bucharest have already moved to prohibit gambling premises. In response, Superbet announced that it will not close its affected venues. Instead, these locations will be repurposed into community centers named Home of Superliga. These venues will serve as meeting points for sports fans to watch Romanian Superliga matches and other major competitions. Crucially, existing staff will be retained to manage these centers, though no active betting will be permitted on-site. This initiative leverages Superbet’s role as the primary commercial partner of the Superliga.

Numbers and facts

The scale of Superbet’s operations is significant. As of 2024, the company reported over 2,600 employees in Romania, with the vast majority linked to its retail network of more than 1,000 agencies. Maintaining this workforce is a top priority for leadership, even as fiscal pressures mount. On August 1, 2026, the Ministry of Finance increased the tax on online gambling licenses from 21% to 27%. This hike aims to address Romania's budget deficit, which currently sits between 7% and 8% of GDP, the highest in the CEE region.

Internal stability at the regulatory level has also been rocked. On August 21, PM Ilie Bolojan dismissed ONJN President Vlad-Cristian Soare, replacing him with Valentin-Ioan Tomescu. Soare claimed he was not informed of the reasons for his removal, which occurred amidst criticism of the agency’s performance regarding tax collection and market supervision. Despite these local headwinds, Superbet remains financially robust, supported by a €1.3 billion capital financing agreement led by Blackstone and HPS Investment Partners in 2025 to fuel international expansion.

“An administrative decision can change what we are allowed to do in a space, but it cannot cancel the things that unite us. As the main partner of the Superliga, we have a responsibility towards Romanian football and towards the people who live it.” - Andrei Popa, General Manager of Super Romania

Background

Romania has been tightening gambling laws for several years. In 2024, slot machines were banned from localities with populations under 15,000. The current shift toward municipal control has created an unpredictable regulatory environment. Superbet has pointed out that these restrictions are not being applied uniformly, with state-run lottery vendors often exempted from the new limits. The company is currently reviewing legal options to challenge the application of these municipal mechanisms while maintaining a dialogue with central and local authorities to find sustainable solutions.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the situation in Romania highlights the importance of a stable and centralized regulatory framework. While Romania is currently experiencing a fragmentation of rules, Germany operates under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), overseen by the GGL. German law imposes strict player protections, including a €1,000 monthly deposit limit and a €1 stake limit per spin on virtual slots. These rules are designed to prevent the kind of regulatory chaos currently seen in the Romanian market.

German players should ensure they only use platforms listed on the GGL whitelist. Unlike the uncertain situation in Romania, where licensing powers have been handed to mayors, the GGL provides a consistent, nationwide standard for safety and fairness. Playing at offshore casinos, such as those licensed in Curacao or the MGA, lacks the legal safeguards provided by German authorities. The Romanian crisis serves as a reminder that localized bans can suddenly disrupt access to services, a risk mitigated by the unified German licensing system.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators holding a GGL license, the Romanian case study underscores the value of compliance and community engagement. By repurposing venues into fan zones, Superbet is attempting to maintain brand loyalty and social value even when gambling is prohibited. GGL-licensed casinos must similarly focus on responsible gaming and social responsibility to maintain their social license to operate. The unpredictability in Romania reinforces why a transparent, central regulator like the GGL is preferable for long-term business planning compared to a fragmented municipal system.