Expanse Studios secures Class 2 license in Romania

Expanse Studios, a business-to-business (B2B) iGaming content provider and a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has officially received a Class 2 license from Romania’s National Gambling Office (ONJN). This license authorizes the company to distribute specialized gaming software within Romania, one of the fastest-growing regulated markets in Europe. The regulatory approval, granted under Decision No. 273, marks a significant milestone for Expanse Studios as it strengthens its European presence and expands its distribution network in regulated jurisdictions.

The approval enables Expanse Studios to provide its portfolio of proprietary slot games, crash games, and casino content to licensed Romanian operators. Romania’s iGaming market generated approximately €600 million in gross gaming revenue in 2024, and it boasts one of Europe’s highest channelization rates, exceeding 90%. This positions Expanse Studios to capitalize on a robust and highly regulated environment, where demand for compliant gaming content continues to rise.

Strategic entry into a high-growth regulated market

Romania represents one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic iGaming jurisdictions. The country benefits from extensive internet penetration, reaching approximately 88% of its 19 million population. Its regulatory framework has attracted over 50 licensed operators, making the market highly competitive yet accessible for compliant providers.

In 2023, Romania’s total iGaming industry turnover exceeded €2 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of around 15%. This sustained growth underscores the strategic importance of the market for companies like Expanse Studios seeking to expand their B2B distribution footprint.

The Class 2 B2B license specifically allows Expanse Studios to distribute content to Romania’s licensed B2C operators without the requirement to establish a Romanian entity or pay local corporate taxes. This approach enables the company to efficiently provide its games to a highly engaged player base, particularly in mobile gaming—a dominant segment in the country.

Romania’s stringent licensing requirements under Government Emergency Ordinance 77/2009 highlight the importance of ONJN approval for B2B operators. The framework emphasizes technical compliance, player protection, and operational transparency. These requirements are fully aligned with Expanse Studios’ existing operations across Europe, where the company’s content is integrated with more than 1,300 casino brands.

“Securing ONJN approval validates our technical capabilities and regulatory compliance standards in one of Europe’s most demanding jurisdictions,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios. “Romania offers substantial distribution opportunities through licensed operators serving a tech-savvy player base with strong engagement metrics. This license strengthens our European B2B footprint and demonstrates our ability to meet the compliance requirements of mature regulated markets.”

Expanding B2B distribution infrastructure

The Romanian license complements Expanse Studios’ ongoing efforts to expand its B2B operations across regulated European markets. The company’s portfolio of 56 proprietary titles—including popular offerings such as Super Heli, Titan Roulette, and Wild Icy Fruits—positions it well to meet demand for certified and engaging gaming content.

Romania’s market characteristics, including a preference for mobile platforms, strong affinity for slot content, and established payment infrastructure, align seamlessly with Expanse Studios’ content distribution model. Licensed operators in Romania can now access Expanse Studios’ games to enhance their platforms with compliant, high-quality offerings.

The license further reinforces Golden Matrix Group’s broader strategy to expand regulated B2B operations in jurisdictions characterized by transparency, clear licensing processes, and sustainable growth potential. By entering the Romanian market, Expanse Studios not only diversifies its geographic footprint but also strengthens its capacity to serve markets with stringent compliance standards.

Meeting regulatory and technical standards

ONJN’s approval process involves rigorous technical and operational assessments, designed to protect players and ensure industry integrity. The Class 2 license requires that B2B providers meet comprehensive compliance standards, including the verification of software fairness, security of player data, and adherence to responsible gaming protocols.

For Expanse Studios, obtaining the Class 2 license reflects a consistent commitment to regulatory excellence. The company has already established a strong presence in other European jurisdictions, demonstrating its ability to integrate technical compliance with operational scalability. The Romanian approval adds a strategic credential to the company’s regulatory portfolio, enhancing its credibility with operators and regulators alike.

“Gaining regulatory approval in Romania is a clear testament to our commitment to compliance and quality,” said Stamenkovic. “It signals to operators that Expanse Studios can deliver secure, certified content that meets the highest standards required by regulated markets.”

Opportunities in Romania’s growing iGaming sector

Romania’s iGaming sector presents multiple opportunities for B2B providers. The market shows a clear preference for online slots, live casino games, and other interactive formats that appeal to mobile-first players. Additionally, the country’s regulatory framework encourages transparency and operational accountability, offering a stable environment for compliant content providers.

With approximately 50 licensed operators, the Romanian market is both competitive and receptive to innovative gaming content. Expanse Studios’ entry enables these operators to access certified software without needing to navigate complex local establishment requirements. The result is a streamlined process for expanding content offerings while maintaining strict compliance.

Analysts note that Romania’s high channelization rate—where the majority of online gambling occurs through licensed operators—makes it a particularly attractive market for B2B suppliers. Providers who can demonstrate technical reliability and compliance standards stand to benefit from strong partnerships and sustained market penetration.

Strengthening European operations

The Romanian license is part of Expanse Studios’ broader European strategy, which focuses on markets with clear regulatory requirements, high growth potential, and established operator networks. By securing access to Romania, the company expands its footprint in Eastern Europe while reinforcing its reputation as a compliant, technically capable B2B content provider.

This expansion is complemented by partnerships in other jurisdictions, where demand for Expanse Studios’ games continues to rise. The company’s portfolio is particularly well-suited to regions with robust mobile gaming adoption, preference for slot-based entertainment, and stringent regulatory standards.

In addition to growth potential, the Romanian market provides Expanse Studios with valuable insights into player behavior, engagement trends, and platform integration strategies. These learnings can be applied across the company’s European, Latin American, and North American operations to optimize product offerings and distribution efficiency.

Looking ahead

Expanse Studios’ recent milestone in Romania reflects a strategic focus on regulated markets that combine growth opportunities with operational transparency. The Class 2 license not only facilitates immediate access to Romania’s licensed operators but also strengthens the company’s overall compliance profile, providing a solid foundation for future expansions.

For Golden Matrix Group, the license represents a tangible step toward achieving long-term B2B growth across high-potential jurisdictions. By entering markets with mature regulatory frameworks, the company mitigates operational risk while positioning itself to benefit from expanding demand for certified gaming content.

The Romanian approval is expected to enhance the company’s partnerships with existing European operators, while opening doors to new collaborations in Eastern Europe. As mobile and online gaming continues to dominate the market, Expanse Studios is well-positioned to leverage its technical capabilities, regulatory credentials, and portfolio of engaging games to maximize distribution opportunities.

Conclusion

Securing a Class 2 license from Romania’s ONJN marks a significant achievement for Expanse Studios and Golden Matrix Group. It validates the company’s technical and regulatory capabilities, strengthens its European B2B footprint, and opens new opportunities in one of Europe’s fastest-growing regulated iGaming markets. With a portfolio of over 50 proprietary titles, a focus on compliance, and strategic partnerships across Europe, Expanse Studios is poised to meet the increasing demand for certified gaming content while maintaining operational transparency and regulatory integrity.

FAQs

What is Expanse Studios’ new license in Romania?
Expanse Studios received a Class 2 B2B license from Romania’s National Gambling Office (ONJN), allowing it to distribute gaming content to licensed operators.

How does the Class 2 license benefit Expanse Studios?
It enables the company to provide its games to Romanian operators without establishing a local entity or paying Romanian corporate taxes.

Which products will be distributed in Romania?
Expanse Studios’ portfolio includes proprietary slot games, crash games, and other casino content certified for regulated operators.

Why is Romania a strategic market for iGaming?
Romania has high internet penetration, over 50 licensed operators, and a growing mobile gaming market, making it attractive for compliant B2B providers.

What are ONJN’s licensing requirements?
They emphasize technical compliance, player protection, operational transparency, and adherence to responsible gaming standards.

How does this license affect Golden Matrix Group?
It strengthens the company’s European B2B footprint and aligns with its strategy of expanding in regulated, high-growth markets.

How many games does Expanse Studios offer?
The company has a portfolio of 56 proprietary titles, including popular slots and casino games.

Does the license allow mobile gaming distribution?
Yes, the license enables distribution to licensed operators across mobile and online platforms in Romania.

What is Romania’s iGaming market size?
In 2024, Romania generated approximately €600 million in gross gaming revenue, with high player engagement and channelization rates.

How does this license compare with other European markets?
Romania’s stringent regulations and mature operator network make it one of Europe’s most demanding and rewarding markets for B2B gaming providers.