Online gambling in Poland is still in the stage of its development. Although many regulatory law items have been adopted, some online casino postulates still await approval or adoption. A qualitative online casino in Poland, or as it’s called there, “dobre kasyno internetowe,” is rather popular among casino adherents in the country. And it is in the conditions when the gambling industry has some severe restrictions, according to the state’s law. Those who like to play online casino games and use other gambling offers would be careful not to violate the Polish law regulating gambling activities. The situation in the gambling market in Poland is somewhat different as compared to other countries, although there are many similar moments. Let’s focus today on the main differences that exist between casinos in Poland and in other world countries.
- The government has a monopoly on the majority of gambling activities.
It relates especially to the conducting of lotteries events. The conduct of lotteries in the Republic of Poland is regulated in accordance with the legislation on gambling, which was adopted in 2009. A state monopoly has been established for activities in the field of number games, money lotteries, and “telebingo.” In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, such regulating laws were established earlier, in late 1999. In the UK, for example, the Commission on Gambling is acting. This organ instructs local authorities in detail regarding regulatory acts on the regulation of gambling, in particular regarding the issuance of licences for the use of premises. - The dynamic of spending increase on casinos is higher in Poland as compared to other countries.
According to the analysis, Poles spend more money every year on online gambling. Thus, in 2019, on average, one family in the country spent 204 złotych (almost $47); in 2020, this amount increased by 40 złotych (by approximately $10). Experts say that this dynamic shows the development of the industry, which is constantly introducing new technologies and allowing users to enjoy even more convenient games and faster payment methods that can be done with just a few clicks. Not all the countries can witness the same increase in the percentage equivalent. - The number of illegal casinos is higher in Poland.
The state revenues from casinos in Poland are continually increasing. But the percentage of the illegal gambling sector, which offers higher bonuses for their players, is still high. According to calculations, in 2021, the number of revenues to the budget increased by another 30%. Recent data suggests that almost 50% of the online gambling industry in 2020 was involved in the shadow economy. For example, licensed operators managed to create a turnover of $3.3 billion, while the amount from the illegal part of the industry amounted to $2.9 billion, i.e. more than 40% market. In the world’s casinos, such a situation is unacceptable. - Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax is lower in Poland.
In Europe, the GGR tax in individual countries ranges from 10 to 25%. For example, in Denmark, the tax on games and bets collected in the GGR system is 15%; in the UK, it is 20%; and in the Czech Republic, it is 23% for bookmakers and lotteries and 35% for online casinos. In Poland, in its turn, the tax is 12%. - Online gambling is not allowed in Poland.
Despite the high popularity of online gambling in Poland, it isn’t allowed by the law. In France and Italy, for example, it is allowed. In Monaco, it isn’t regulated, which means that it isn’t prohibited. In Poland, gamblers from 18 years old can participate in betting, slots, and card games. In some cities in Germany and some states of the USA, this age starts only from 21 years.