TMT: gambling law in Romania

Simion & Baciu Law Firm

‘Experts in Romanian gambling regulation‘, boutique firm Simion & Baciu Law Firm leverages its partners’ extensive experience in the gambling sector to deal with the entire spectrum of licensing, compliance, enforcement, and business operations. Its experience with the Romanian National Gambling Office makes the team well-placed to handle regulatory matters. Clients include online and land-based betting and gaming companies, gaming software and platform providers, and payment service providers both domestic and global. Co-managing partners Cosmina Simion and Ana-Maria Baciu are ‘proactive and across developments before they happen‘, with notable expertise in compliance matters and gambling legislation respectively. Alina Tace joined the team in March 2023 from Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen, and is ‘highly knowledgeable lawyer in gaming matters‘.

Responsables de la pratique:

Cosmina Maria Simion; Ana-Maria Baciu


Autres avocats clés:

Alina Tace; Andrei Cosma


Les références

‘Ana-Maria Baciu is unbelievably swift in responding to any requests, no matter how complex, and has a very strong industry knowledge.’

‘The addition of Alina Tace to the team, a highly knowledgeable lawyer in gaming matters, is a very big plus to the Simion & Baciu team.’

‘The team at Simion & Baciu are experts in Romanian gambling regulation. They are proactive, professional and a pleasure to work with. The team always make themselves available at relatively short notice should we need. ’

Principaux clients

Flutter Entertainment/Betfair


Entain/Sportingbet


888


Maxbet Group


Playtech


Microgaming (Prima Networks)


Play Online Solutions


Worldpay


Digitain


Balkanix


Betsson


GLI Europe BV


Inspired Entertainment


Bragg Gaming


Principaux dossiers


  • Providing advice to 888 in connection with all day-to-day regulatory and legal matters concerning its operations on the Romanian market.
  • Providing assistance to Maxbet in relation to all regulatory, intellectual property, tax, consumer protection or marketing & advertising matters which are relevant for the online operations conducted in Romania.
  • Providing assistance to Balkanix in relation to regulatory and legal matter concerning its local operations.

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen’s well-established gambling practice is recommended for its ‘in-depth understanding of the nuances and complexities within the gambling industry’s legal landscape‘. Combining its longstanding experience in the sector with cross-practice support from the firm’s tax team, the group provides integrated advice to gaming industry clients across licensing, compliance, enforcement, and interpretation of relevant legislation. Gabriela Cacerea and Ruxandra Bologa co-head the team, and are experienced in the corporate needs of gaming clients. Mihai Fifoiu is noted for his ‘mastery of the nuances and complexities’ within the sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gabriela Cacerea; Ruxandra Bologa


Autres avocats clés:

Mihai Fifoiu


Les références

‘Nestor is a specialised law firm in the field of gambling law. We believe that this specialisation allows the firm to possess an in-depth understanding of the nuances and complexities within the gambling industry’s legal landscape.’

‘With years of experience serving clients in the gambling sector, the firm has accumulated extensive industry-specific knowledge. This insight encompasses not only legal matters but also an understanding of market dynamics, emerging trends, and regulatory changes that directly impact clients, which we believe is a must when advising on compliance matters.’

‘Mihai Fifoiu possesses an exceptional depth of knowledge and expertise in gambling law that extends well beyond surface-level understanding. Their mastery of the nuances and complexities within the gambling industry’s legal framework sets them apart as a true specialist in this field.’

Principaux dossiers


Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii

The gambling team at Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii has ‘excellent specialised expertise in the intricacies of online gambling laws‘, advising operators on both their online and offline presences. Clients benefit from the team's diverse expertise across IP, tax, dispute resolution, employment, data protection and anti-money laundering matters. This cross-disciplinary approach is spearheaded by Horia Ispas, who leverages his M&A and corporate experience to advise gambling clients on regulatory and compliance issues. Managing associate Sergiu Crețu is noted by clients for his ability to ‘meet the unique needs and objectives of clients within the online gambling industry’. 

Responsables de la pratique:

Horia Ispas


Autres avocats clés:

Sergiu Cretu


Les références

‘The team has excellent specialised expertise in the intricacies of online gambling laws, regulations, and industry practices. They easily assist in navigating the complex regulatory landscape governing online gambling. They use a client-centric approach by providing personalised, practical, timely and strategic legal advice in line with the client’s goals and objectives.’

‘Sergiu Cretu has outstandingly deep expertise in online gambling laws. He always keeps the clients updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging legal issues within the online gambling sector. He tailors legal strategies to meet the unique needs and objectives of clients within the online gambling industry.’

Principaux clients

TSG Interactive Plc


TSG Platforms Ltd


Amelco UK Ltd


Apco Systems Ltd


Kambi Malta Ltd


Pariplay Malta Ltd


Realistic Games Limited


BTB Betlab Holdings Ltd


Chargeads S.R.L.


Ibus Media Limited


Bet Live Studios S.R.L.


LSEL Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising PokerStars on a wide range of compliance/regulatory issues specific to the performance of online gambling in Romania.
  • Provided assistance to Pariplay Malta Limited on all regulatory related matters under Romanian jurisdiction applicable to Romanian B2B gambling suppliers.
  • Provided assistance to BTB Betlab Holdings LTD in relation to its operations on the Romanian gambling market.

CMS

The gambling offering at CMS assists clients with the full range of licensing, regulatory, contractual and tax matters. It collaborates cross-departmentally with the firm’s M&A, tax, litigation, public law, IP, financial services and data protection teams to provide full-service advice. Data protection is a specialist area for team head Cristina Popescu, who focuses on highly regulated industries, including gambling.

Responsables de la pratique:

Cristina Popescu


Autres avocats clés:

Sorin Predescu


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a leading iGaming affiliate in obtaining its licence from the Romanian gambling regulator, as well as on its day-to-day compliance and regulatory matters, including representation in front of the Romanian regulator.
  • Advised a premium provider of official sports content services in obtaining its licence from the Romanian gambling regulator, as well as on its day-to-day compliance and regulatory matters.
  • Advised one of the world’s leading global online sports betting technology companies on its regulatory and annual payment obligations.

Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii

The gambling and betting law practice at Popovici Nitu Stoica & Asociatii has expertise in all matters relating to the licensing process, acting on behalf of a diverse clientele which includes online and offline gambling and betting operators, software operators and payment processors. Bogdan C. Stoica heads the team, with the support of regulatory matters specialist Claudia Salomia.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bogdan C. Stoica


Autres avocats clés:

Claudia Salomia


Principaux clients

Intergames


Extremoo Group


Stargames Corporation Australia


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Intergames on all aspects related to the regulatory, corporate and commercial matters in the context of the COVID pandemic with a particular focus on the real estate.
  • Advising Extremoo Group on all corporate and commercial structuring and restructuring as services centres.
  • Advised Stargames Corporation on all the setting up and operation of a local branch as well as with respect to the sales of electronic slot machines on the Romanian and European market.

SCA DINU PETRE & ASOCIATII

SCA DINU PETRE & ASOCIATII‘s gambling department ‘consists of a balanced core of lawyers’ with longstanding experience in the sector, offering assistance in the set-up and licensing of gambling operators, legal advice regarding legislative changes in the field, and representation before regulatory authorities. Team head Dinu Petre draws together expertise across corporate law, M&A and insolvency to support gambling clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dinu Petre


Autres avocats clés:

Elena-Cristina Dumitrescu; Andreea-Cristina Covaliu


Les références

‘The team consists of a balanced core of lawyers including both lawyers with long experience and young lawyers, all of whom have a flexible approach, a prompt and efficient reaction. They have the professional ability to address matters in any field of law, from civil and commercial to criminal, administrative or tax law.’

‘The proposed legal solutions were based on a thorough knowledge of our field of activity. Availability anywhere, in Romania and abroad, to provide legal assistance and to be a strong ally in business negotiations.’

‘Permanent focus on clients and on problems solving. They are accommodating each client based on client’s needs.’

Principaux clients

Megabet International S.R.L.


Stanleybet Capital S.A.


Westgate Romania S.R.L.


Game World Romania S.R.L.


Game World Invest S.R.L.


Opossum Romania S.R.L.


Magic H & Ro S.R.L.


Romanian Bookmakers


Equilor Holding Limited


Macrati Holdings Limited


Gameworld Brand Ltd


Slot Partner Malta Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised and assisted MEGABET INTERNATIONAL S.R.L. in developing, upgrading, and ensuring the growth and success of the online gaming platform operated by it in Romania.
  • Advised ROMANIAN BOOKMAKERS in the context of the proposal of certain bills aimed at limiting gambling advertising, and in the preparation and drafting of legislative amendment proposals.
  • Advised and assisted WESTGATE ROMANIA S.R.L. in the process of expanding its business on the territory of Romania by opening more gambling locations/halls.