The goal is to use gambling as a way to attract tourism
Romania is preparing for another round of gambling reforms as lawmakers seek to align the industry more closely with the country’s tourism goals. The right-wing Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) has introduced a bill that would require gambling venues to operate primarily in designated tourist resorts. The proposal is designed to tie gaming activity to economic development in resort areas while boosting Romania’s appeal as an entertainment destination.
Under the draft legislation, gambling operations would be limited to 56 officially recognized tourist zones across the country. Supporters argue that the measure would bring more strategic planning to the industry, which they say currently lacks direction. By concentrating gambling in tourism hotspots, AUR believes the country could encourage investment in related sectors like hotels, restaurants, and conference centers, creating a stronger link between gaming and tourism-driven growth.
The bill has the backing of 37 members of parliament and is being framed as part of a larger push for “balanced territorial development.” Lawmakers say the changes would help reduce social concerns associated with widespread gambling while supporting job creation in established resort communities. The party also expects higher local tax revenues and increased VAT collection if the proposal passes.
To address responsible gambling, the AUR plans to implement stricter monitoring measures within these designated zones. This would include trained staff and data systems to track player behavior and identify potential problem gambling. Still, the bill stops short of mandating the closure of existing venues in non-tourist towns, focusing instead on future development limits.
Romania’s gambling framework has already seen changes in recent years. In 2024, authorities banned gambling halls in towns with fewer than 15,000 residents, though exceptions were made for tourism areas. The new proposal suggests that the country’s next phase of regulation will continue emphasizing control, tourism synergy, and regional economic impact.
