Budget revenues from gambling halls have significantly decreased following the ban on slot machines in many localities.

After the entry into force of Emergency Ordinance no. 7/2026, which allows municipalities to prohibit gambling, budget revenues from taxes and duties have decreased significantly. Data shows that, in the period from February to May 2026, only 2,337 slot-machine type positions were authorized, compared to 18,981 in the same period last year. In total, out of the 45,659 gaming devices authorized in 2025, only 29,014 are still in operation. Although the 60-day deadline for issuing decisions has expired, only 90 out of approximately 3,100 municipalities have acted, of which 35 have prohibited gambling. Tax revenues have decreased from 485 million lei in 2025 to 300 million lei in 2026. The National Office for Gambling can provide technical support, but it cannot adopt normative measures. The government has delegated to municipalities the authority to regulate gambling, which has led to a significant change in the landscape of this sector.