Key Moments
- Superbet launched Home of Superliga locations where retail betting and slot machines are banned. However, staff can still handle cash for online accounts and promote digital services.
- New legislation now requires local council approval for land-based gambling operations. The change significantly reshapes the market from September 1.
- Superbet now operates several shop formats. Each format depends on local regulatory decisions.
Regulatory Changes Reshape Romania’s Gambling Market
Superbet has changed its retail strategy in Romania following major regulatory reforms. Its Home of Superliga locations can no longer accept traditional sports bets or operate slot machines. However, they still support online gambling through cash deposits, digital promotions, and customer assistance.
The changes follow Emergency Ordinance 7/2026. The law transferred gambling oversight from the national government to local councils. As a result, Superbet converted many physical locations to the Home of Superliga format from September 1. These shops no longer offer traditional betting but still support the company’s digital services.
Local Authorization Becomes Essential for Retail Gambling
The new rules give local councils greater control over gambling activities. Operators must now obtain local approval in addition to their national licenses. Therefore, a national gambling authorization alone is no longer enough to operate a physical venue in every town.
Superbet changed its strategy as many local authorizations expired on August 31. Rather than close affected outlets, the company repurposed them. These locations now focus on online account services and digital promotions.
Transforming the Betting Shop: Community and Digital Focus
The Home of Superliga format focuses on football and community engagement. At the same time, it preserves jobs across Superbet’s retail network.
Customers cannot place retail bets or play slots at these locations. However, they can deposit or withdraw funds from Superbet and Napoleon online accounts. They can also create digital accounts and receive help from staff.
Self-service terminals at these locations only handle deposits. Meanwhile, staff continue to promote digital products and services. Customers are clearly informed that sports betting and slot gaming are unavailable.
Diverse Outlet Types and Local Regulatory Complexity
Superbet’s retail network now includes several shop formats. Local licensing decisions determine which services each location can offer.
| Shop Type | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| Sports Betting & Slots | 108 |
| Sports Betting Only | 37 |
| Slots Only | 96 |
| Home of Superliga (No Retail Betting/Slots) | Number not specified |
These categories highlight the fragmented regulatory landscape. Each location may offer different services based on local council decisions and further regulatory changes.
Managing Legacy Obligations and Operational Details
The transition has also created challenges for customers with winning tickets from converted locations. These shops no longer pay retail tickets directly. Instead, customers can visit another Standard agency or receive assistance at the original location, depending on availability.
The public gambling register has also shown some discrepancies. For example, certain machines appeared operational despite expired authorizations. However, these records do not confirm that the machines were actually operating improperly. Superbet has called on ONJN to clarify the discrepancies.
Preserving Value in the Physical Footprint
Keeping physical shops open without land-based gambling creates additional costs. Nevertheless, Superbet still sees value in its retail network.
These locations provide cash services, maintain brand visibility, attract customers, and support online gambling. They also help the company maintain a physical connection with players as more activity moves online.
Superbet continues to run digital promotions through its retail network. Some campaigns link cash deposits with rewards. These initiatives existed before the latest regulatory changes and show the continuing role of physical locations.
Operational Separation Between Land-Based and Online Gambling
Romanian law continues to distinguish between land-based and online gambling. Home of Superliga locations do not accept wagers on their premises. However, staff can help customers access and fund their online accounts.
Age restrictions and self-exclusion procedures also remain in place. These measures support responsible gambling standards across the network.
The locations may resemble cafés or bars, but their role is different. They provide a link between Superbet’s physical presence and its online gambling services while operating within the new regulatory framework.
Implications for the Future
Local councils now have greater influence over the number and location of gambling venues. This shift is already visible from September 1, as many shops have lost their retail betting and slot services.
However, Superbet’s strategy shows how operators can adapt to these changes. The company can repurpose its physical network while continuing to support its digital business.
The shift also highlights the challenges of regulating gambling based solely on physical locations. Online services can remain accessible even when traditional betting activities disappear from a shop.
For now, Superbet’s physical presence across Romania remains intact. The role of these locations, however, is changing rapidly as the market moves toward a more digital model.
- Author
Daniel Williams
