Another Romanian City Bans Slot Machines

(AsiaGameHub) –   Local officials in Bacău have passed a measure to ban land-based gambling operations.

Romania.- A further Romanian municipality has taken steps to restrict slot machines. In a council session held today (April 1), representatives in Bacău voted to outlaw gambling in physical establishments. The motion received support from 19 of the 22 councillors in attendance.

The ruling dictates that no additional gambling parlours or slot machine sites will be allowed to open within the city. For current operators, the ban will take effect once their existing licences expire. Those who continue to provide gambling services beyond their licence term face penalties ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 lei (€750 to €980) for each violation.

This action was taken following the introduction of new laws that empower Romanian municipalities to oversee gaming venues. Mayors in various cities have indicated their intention to pursue similar bans, following Slatina’s move last month to become the first city to prohibit gambling halls and sports betting, provided they can secure the backing of their local councils.

Bacău mayor Lucian Daniel Stanciu-Viziteu described the vote as a “huge step” for the city. In a statement on Facebook, he noted: “We succeeded! Physical gambling activities are now banned within the municipality of Bacău. This is a significant milestone for our community, demonstrating our commitment to a healthy future for Bacău. I am grateful to the local councillors who acted with responsibility today and supported my proposal to phase out these operations in the city.”

He emphasised that the closures will occur incrementally as current authorisations lapse, allowing staff members a period to seek new employment.