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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Andrei Popoviciu in Bucharest

Gambling crackdown in Romania as councils can ban ‘toxic’ betting shops

Hands outstretched to a slot machine
Gambling has expanded rapidly in Romania, with tens of thousands of slot machines and betting shops nationwide. Photograph: Tips Images/Tips Italia Srl a socio unico/Alamy

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.

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