🦫 Poland🇵🇱: is it time to ease gambling regulation❓

🦫 Poland🇵🇱: is it time to ease gambling regulation❓
Poland is currently debating whether to relax its gambling regulatory framework, which is considered one of the strictest in Europe. The aim is to stimulate growth in the regulated market, although public policy concerns and consumer protection remain key factors in the discussion.

📌 Background

In 2009, Poland was affected by a political scandal that undermined public confidence in government institutions. Audio recordings revealed informal agreements between government officials and industry representatives aimed at preventing tax increases.

📌 Current regulatory framework

Following the scandal, Poland adopted its Gambling Act, under which operators are required to pay:

➡️ 12% on betting turnover;

➡️ 50% of gross casino revenue;

➡️ 10% on players' winnings (collected directly by operators).

Land-based casinos and sports betting are subject to licensing requirements, while online casinos and slot machines located outside authorized venues remain under the state monopoly of Totalizator Sportowy. Payment service providers are required to block transactions directed to unauthorized gambling websites, although the practical effectiveness of this measure remains under debate.

📌 Market figures

➡️ Poland’s sports betting tax is the highest in Europe.

➡️ The market’s gross revenue is expected to reach USD 4.97 billion in 2026, with USD 1.85 billion generated by the sports betting segment.

➡️ Totalizator Sportowy recorded revenue of approximately USD 21 billion in 2025.

📌 Outlook

In 2021, Poland's former finance minister proposed replacing the 12% turnover tax with a 20–25% gross gaming revenue tax, bringing the country closer to the European average. While such a reform could make the tax base more complex and reduce short-term tax revenues, it could also support the expansion of the regulated market and increase industry reinvestment. The issue remains under discussion, and the outcome may ultimately depend on the 2027 elections.

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