Romanian government faces EU court ruling on slot-machine tax dispute
Romanian lawyers will argue before the EU Court of Justice that the “vice tax” on slot-machine machines breaches EU law, with billions of euros at stake.
Lawyers Tudor Vidrean-Căpușan and Adrian Șandru are set to defend the position that Romania's “vice tax” imposed on slot-machine machines violates European Union law before the Court of Justice of the EU. They will argue that the tax does not conform to EU norms, and a favorable ruling could allow gambling operators to claim refunds of the amounts paid, together with applicable interest. Financial stakes are described as potentially reaching tens or even hundreds of millions of euros, which would impact both the state budget and the gambling industry.
The case arrives amid leadership changes at the National Office for Gambling, where Valentin-Ioan Tomescu has recently become president. The court’s decision is expected to shape future fiscal policy and legal strategies for operators and regulators alike.
Why it matters
The ruling could force Romania to repay large tax revenues, affecting the state budget and the gambling sector.
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