Unibet Announce Plans to Join the New Romanian Online Gambling Regime

Unibet Announce Plans to Join the New Romanian Online Gambling Regime

Unibet are the latest online gambling company to announce plans to enter the newly regulated online gambling market in Romania.

Malta-based online gambling outfit Unibet is planning to haggle for their right to do business in Romania.

Unibet Announce Plans to Join the New Romanian Online Gambling RegimeAccording to PokerNews, Unibet revealed their intention to affiliates and media partners, via e-mail, stating, “While Unibet is still analyzing the license requirements/conditions, we would like to let you know that Unibet is in the process of going ahead with its application for a Romanian license.”

The news emerges six weeks after the country announced plans to create a fully regulated online gambling arena. Romania’s National Office for Gaming (ONJN) took charge of the restructuring and 48 online domains were immediately given the blacklisted middle finger. The goals of the ONJN include protecting minors and creating a fair and transparent system. The ONJN was created in 2013.

Only three online gambling companies have been granted interim licenses (Stanley Bet Romania, NetBet and Winmasters). These will self-destruct on 31 Dec 2015. It’s being widely reported that 10-year rolling licenses will follow.

Not everyone is following Unibet’s lead. William Hill withdrew from the market as soon as the word ‘back taxes’ was mentioned. They were not alone. The website Blackjackchamp reported that PokerStars had also pulled out of the market, but a Romanian poker player confirmed to me that the site is still operating in the country. Back taxes, at the rate of 20%, will be due as far back as Dec 24, 2010. It’s believed the Romanian government will receive between €90-100m when the sums have been tallied.

In Jan, the Romanian government changed the tax rate for individual gamblers. Winnings up to €132 is now tax-free, a 1% charge is invoked between €133 and €15,000, 16% between €15,001 and €100,000 and 25% if you are fortunate enough to be banging in the bucks beyond that amount.

Unibet recently acquired Stan James online gambling division, iGame Holding Plc., and inked deals to become the main sponsor for the Australian Poker League and 888PL in Australia.