Features of gambling in Poland
There are currently four legally recognised categories of gambling in Poland, although the situation that users encounter online can be more complicated. Internet access makes it possible to come across numerous gambling websites, including Total casino, but the fact that a website can be opened from Poland does not mean that its gambling services are legally authorised in the country. Polish law requires gambling activities to comply with national rules, and an authorisation issued abroad does not automatically give an operator the right to offer its services to Polish players. Users should also be aware that a Polish-language website, its appearance in search results or its inclusion in an online casino ranking is not evidence of legal status. Another important rule concerns age: with limited exceptions for certain types of lotteries, participation in gambling in Poland is restricted to people aged 18 or over. These distinctions are essential when discussing the Polish gambling market, as technical availability, international licensing and legal permission to operate in Poland are separate matters.
Back in 2009, a law to regulate the gambling market across the country. And clear norms and strict rules and standards were established for operators conducting their activities. Already in 2017, another law concerning licensed establishments came into force and a register of sites that do not have a license appeared. Everything works according to the blacklisting principle.
Types of gambling in Poland
Before some amendments, only sports betting was legal in the country. But since 2017, online casino games have also started to appear. At the moment, however, the following types of gambling are legal:
- Sports betting, sweepstakes and betting shops.
- Slot machines.
- Card games of all types.
- Gambling. This is the most extensive category, which includes a variety of modern varieties like roulette or even number games, lotteries and so on.
As for poker, it can only be played in land-based casinos that are licensed. But again, since 2017, foreign companies have started operating in Poland, which have obtained the relevant permits and certificates. And after that, players were able to play poker and even take part in tournaments.
Casinos in Poland
The number of legal establishments is limited, with only 1 casino per 250,000 inhabitants in one municipality.
However, there’s a certain format of gaming halls with machines. One such room must have between 3 and 50 floor machines.
Online industry
When it comes to online casinos in Poland, only 2 kinds of online casinos are legalized and they involve state monopolies:
- Betting.
- Lottery with special offers.
And the only licensed provider on the internet is Totalizator Sportowy.
And as stated, there is a special blacklist where all the companies that violate the rules get blocked. And if a site gets blocked, the owner is obliged to post a notice on the official page that the site is illegal in the country.
Betting shops in Poland
It goes without saying that betting shops are also strictly regulated. But there are already 14 brands which have a license to operate in the country. Among the most popular operators we should mention the following:
- William Hill.
- Bet365.
- Unibet.
- ForBET.
- Totolotek.
