Gambling in Moldova is regulated by Law no. 291 of 2016, which sets out the main legal framework.
The National Lottery of Moldova holds a monopoly over most forms of gambling, including online operations.
Licensing and supervision are managed by the Public Services Agency and other state authorities.
There are strict state controls aimed at protecting citizens and preventing illegal gambling activities.
Online gambling is legal but only the lottery is nationally regulated; foreign operators are not actively blocked.
There are no resident online casino operators; players can access foreign sites with minimal restrictions.
Taxation and compliance requirements are defined by law, with a focus on consumer protection and oversight.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The core legal framework governing gambling in Moldova is established by Law no. 291 of 16 December 2016 regarding the organization and conduct of gambling. This law sets out the principles for organizing and operating gambling activities, defines the rights and obligations of gambling organizers and players, and establishes state policy in the sector. It also includes provisions to protect public morality, the rights and legitimate interests of citizens, and sets the foundation for regulatory oversight and control in the gambling industry.
Additionally, Law no. 131 of 8 June 2012 regarding state control over entrepreneurial activity provides the basis for the supervision and control mechanisms applied to gambling operators, ensuring compliance with the broader regulatory environment for businesses in Moldova.
Regulatory Authority
Oversight and regulation of gambling in Moldova are carried out by several state bodies:
The Parliament and Government of the Republic of Moldova are responsible for establishing the legislative and policy framework for gambling activities.
The Public Services Agency is involved in the state regulation of gambling operations.
The State Inspectorate for the Supervision of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection exercises supervision and state control over gambling activities, along with other public administration authorities empowered with control and supervision rights under the law.
The National Lottery of Moldova (Loteria Națională a Moldovei) holds a monopoly over certain gambling activities, particularly in the online sector, and plays a significant regulatory and operational role.
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Moldova
State Monopoly Licenses: The National Lottery of Moldova holds exclusive rights to organize and operate most forms of gambling, including lotteries and online gambling. Private operators are generally excluded from these sectors.
Land-Based Casino Licenses: Licenses for land-based casinos are available but are strictly regulated. The number of licenses is limited, and the state maintains significant control over operations.
Slot Machine Halls: Separate licenses are issued for operating slot machine halls. These are also subject to strict state oversight and specific location requirements.
Betting Shops: Licenses can be obtained for operating betting shops, primarily for sports betting. These are subject to additional requirements regarding premises and responsible gaming measures.
Bingo and Other Games: Specific licenses are available for bingo and certain other games of chance, each with its own set of requirements.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted to the designated regulatory authority, typically the Public Services Agency or the relevant governmental body overseeing gambling activities.
Applicants must provide detailed documentation, including company registration documents, proof of financial stability, business plans, and information about key personnel.
Background checks are conducted on company owners, directors, and key staff to ensure suitability and prevent criminal involvement.
Applicants must demonstrate compliance with technical, security, and responsible gambling standards as set by the authorities.
The review process includes site inspections and may involve consultations with other regulatory agencies.
License Duration and Renewal
Licenses are typically granted for a fixed period, most commonly 5 years, though the exact duration may vary depending on the type of gambling activity.
Renewal applications must be submitted prior to expiry and require updated documentation and evidence of continued compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Failure to comply with licensing conditions or regulatory requirements can result in suspension or revocation of the license.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be legal entities registered in Moldova.
Key personnel and shareholders must pass suitability and integrity checks.
Applicants must not have prior convictions related to gambling offenses or financial crimes.
Adequate financial resources must be demonstrated to ensure the viability and integrity of operations.
Operators must have systems in place for responsible gambling and player protection.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
License application fees vary depending on the type of gambling activity and can be substantial, especially for casino and online gambling licenses.
Annual licensing fees are imposed and must be paid to maintain the license; these fees differ by activity and scale of operation.
Operators may be required to provide financial guarantees or surety bonds to cover player winnings and potential liabilities.
Additional costs may include mandatory contributions to responsible gambling programs and technical system certification fees.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses
Strict adherence to technical and operational standards, including certified gaming equipment and secure IT systems for online operations.
Implementation of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures.
Regular reporting to regulatory authorities, including financial statements and incident reports.
Compliance with advertising and marketing restrictions specific to gambling services.
Ongoing staff training in responsible gambling and regulatory compliance.
Summary Table: Main License Types and Key Features
License Type
Eligibility
Duration
Key Costs
Renewal
State Monopoly (Lottery, Online)
National Lottery only
5 years
State-determined
Automatic for state operator
Casino
Registered legal entity
5 years
High application & annual fees
Reapplication with compliance evidence
Slot Machine Hall
Registered legal entity
5 years
Moderate fees
Reapplication required
Betting Shop
Registered legal entity
5 years
Moderate fees
Reapplication required
Bingo/Others
Registered legal entity
5 years
Varies
Reapplication required
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Moldova
Moldova applies different taxation rates to gambling operators depending on the type of gambling activity. The main basis for taxation is typically the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or turnover, depending on the specific gambling vertical.
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Basis
Tax Rate
Lotteries (including state monopoly)
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
18%
Sports Betting
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
18%
Casino Games (Land-based)
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
18%
Slot Machines
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
18%
Online Gambling (State Monopoly)
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
18%
Basis for Taxation
Most gambling activities are taxed on the basis of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is calculated as the total amount wagered minus the winnings paid out to players.
For some specific gambling products, taxes may be calculated on turnover or a fixed fee per gaming device, but the prevailing system is GGR-based for both land-based and online gambling.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Gambling operators are required to submit monthly tax returns detailing their GGR and the corresponding tax due.
Tax payments are generally due on a monthly basis, with strict deadlines set by the tax authorities.
Operators must maintain accurate records of all wagers, payouts, and financial transactions to support their tax filings.
Failure to comply with tax reporting or payment deadlines may result in penalties, fines, or suspension of gambling activities.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are no broad tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators in Moldova; all licensed operators must comply with the standard tax rates and procedures.
Online gambling is operated under a state monopoly, and private operators do not currently benefit from any reduced rates or special tax provisions.
Occasionally, the government may introduce temporary measures or adjustments to tax rates for specific sectors, but such provisions are not permanent and are subject to legislative changes.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participating in most gambling activities in Moldova is 21 years.
Individuals aged between 18 and 21 are only permitted to participate in lotteries and betting, but are prohibited from accessing casinos and other gambling venues.
Strict age verification and identification checks are required before granting entry to gambling establishments or allowing participation in gambling activities. Operators must verify the age and identity of all players to prevent underage gambling.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
Only specific types of gambling are permitted under Moldovan law; unauthorized gambling activities are strictly prohibited.
Unlicensed and illegal gambling platforms, particularly online, are subject to blocking and enforcement actions by authorities.
The operation of casinos and gambling venues is restricted to licensed operators, with the National Lottery of Moldova holding a monopoly over certain gambling sectors, including online gambling.
Some game formats, such as unapproved online casino games or unauthorized betting types, are explicitly prohibited.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising and marketing of gambling products are subject to strict regulations to prevent targeting minors and vulnerable groups.
Gambling advertisements must not be misleading, must include responsible gambling messages, and cannot depict gambling as a way to solve financial problems or guarantee success.
There are restrictions on the placement and content of gambling advertisements, particularly in media accessible to minors or in public spaces frequented by young people.
Operators are prohibited from offering unsolicited promotions or bonuses that could encourage excessive or irresponsible gambling behavior.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection
Operators are required to implement responsible gambling measures, including providing information about the risks of gambling and resources for seeking help with gambling addiction.
Self-exclusion programs must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.
Operators must monitor player behavior to identify signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary, including offering support or restricting access to gambling services.
All gambling venues and online platforms must display clear warnings about the risks of gambling and promote responsible play.
Special protections are mandated for vulnerable groups, including minors and individuals with a history of gambling addiction.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Gambling venues, such as casinos, are only allowed to operate in designated locations as specified by regulatory authorities.
There are restrictions on the proximity of gambling establishments to schools, religious institutions, and other sensitive areas to minimize exposure to minors and vulnerable populations.
Online gambling is restricted to platforms operated or authorized by the National Lottery of Moldova; access to unlicensed foreign gambling sites is subject to blocking by authorities.
Gambling Regulatory Consultation
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1998
Initial legislation introduced to regulate gambling activities in Moldova, establishing the first legal framework for gambling operations.
2007
Significant amendments made to gambling laws, increasing state oversight and introducing stricter controls on land-based gambling operations.
2012
Law no. 131 of June 8, 2012 adopted, strengthening state control over entrepreneurial activities, including gambling supervision and consumer protection.
2016
Law no. 291 of December 16, 2016 enacted, providing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the organization and conduct of gambling, defining the rights and obligations of operators and players, and establishing new restrictions to protect citizens.
2018
The National Lottery of Moldova granted a monopoly over online gambling, centralizing regulation and operation of online gaming under state control.
2021
A complete ban on gambling advertising introduced by the Party of Action and Solidarity, aiming to address social concerns and gambling addiction.
2024
Moldovan Parliament approves the first reading of a draft law to partially lift the total ban on gambling advertising, allowing limited advertising for low-risk gambling activities under strict conditions.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All gambling software and gaming systems used by operators must be certified by accredited testing laboratories to ensure fairness, randomness, and compliance with Moldovan technical standards.
Technical systems must provide secure, auditable logs of all gaming activity, transactions, and system events.
Gaming platforms must be designed to prevent manipulation, unauthorized access, and ensure the integrity of all games offered.
Operators are required to implement regular system updates and vulnerability assessments to maintain compliance with evolving technical standards.
Data Protection, Privacy, and Server Location Requirements
Operators must comply with Moldovan and applicable EU data protection regulations, ensuring the confidentiality and security of all personal and financial data processed.
Player data must be stored on secure servers, with robust encryption and access controls in place to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.
There may be requirements for primary or backup servers to be located within Moldova or in jurisdictions with equivalent data protection standards, ensuring regulatory oversight and data availability for audits.
Operators must implement clear privacy policies and obtain explicit consent from players for the collection and processing of personal data.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators are required to establish and maintain comprehensive AML programs, including the identification and verification of all players before allowing participation in gambling activities.
KYC procedures must include the collection of valid identification documents, verification of player age, and ongoing monitoring for suspicious transactions or patterns.
Operators must report any suspicious or large transactions to the relevant Moldovan financial intelligence authorities in accordance with national AML legislation.
Systems must be in place to detect and prevent fraudulent activity, money laundering, and the use of gambling platforms for illicit financial flows.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
Operators must maintain accurate, real-time records of all financial transactions, player accounts, and game outcomes.
Regular financial reports must be submitted to the relevant regulatory authorities, detailing turnover, payouts, and other key metrics.
All records, including player data, transaction logs, and system event logs, must be retained for a minimum period as specified by Moldovan law, typically several years.
Operators are subject to periodic audits by independent auditors or regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with financial and operational standards.
Technical Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must integrate technical tools that allow players to set deposit, loss, and time limits on their gambling activities.
Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available and technically enforced, preventing excluded individuals from accessing gambling services.
Systems must provide clear and accessible information on responsible gambling, including warnings about the risks of excessive play and links to support resources.
Operators are required to implement real-time monitoring to detect signs of problem gambling and intervene as necessary, including automated notifications or temporary account suspensions.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
