Local officials in Romania advocate for greater control over gambling establishments within their jurisdictions

In a move towards greater local governance, several cities in Romania, including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, have proposed a legislative initiative to gain more control over casino license allocation. This trend reflects a broader push for decentralisation, with about 60% of mayors nationwide offering strong support for the change.

The debate over gambling regulation is part of the ongoing tension between national economic priorities and municipal responsibilities. Under the proposed framework, municipalities could decide which areas of a city are off-limits to gambling halls based on public safety, urban planning, or health considerations.

The new bill, if adopted, would shift some authority to the local level, introducing zoning authorizations for municipalities. A draft bill has been proposed by the Ministry for Development, with the support of Nelu Popa, the mayor of Reșița. Popa argues that the ONJN's lack of effective oversight has allowed gambling outlets to multiply unchecked.

The National Gambling Office (ONJN) has been criticized for its inability to enforce licensing rules and secure tax revenues from the sector. A highly critical audit of the ONJN revealed significant shortcomings in its ability to monitor an industry that has expanded rapidly in recent years. The audit raised concerns about the regulator's broader capacity to manage the sector effectively.

If the draft bill is adopted, companies that previously dealt only with national licensing bodies would also need to navigate municipal approvals and tax frameworks. This could introduce uneven conditions across the country, as individual cities and towns may adopt different zoning rules or tax rates.

For municipalities, the reform represents the opportunity to tailor policy to local realities. The draft bill also allows municipalities to impose taxes on gambling operators, with the proceeds earmarked for social services, community projects, and law enforcement.

The findings have strengthened the case for decentralisation, with local leaders arguing that national institutions alone are not equipped to manage the sector effectively. However, the reform also raises broader questions about the balance between economic opportunity and community protection. As the proposed changes make their way through the legislative process, Romania's cities and towns prepare for a potential shift in power and responsibility.