Gambling crackdown in Romania as councils can ban betting shops and slot machines

At least nine cities to pursue full bans as emergency decree gives decisive veto powers to mayors and local councils

Romania’s government has overhauled gambling regulations through an emergency decree allowing municipalities to restrict or ban betting shops and slot machine halls in the biggest tightening of the industry the country has seen.

Licensed operators must now obtain not only a national permit but also local authorisation to open a gambling venue, giving mayors and local councils a decisive veto power. Officials say more than 200 localities could pursue full bans.