The gambling market in Poland
The field of gambling or gambling is often the cause of controversy. There are some countries that happily welcome thematic establishments and services, ensuring their safe operation by means of legislation. Others, on the other hand, do not allow such companies to operate within their territorial boundaries. Nolimit Way confirms the difficulty of operating in certain countries. But not in Poland.
Historical background
The first casino in Polish history began operating in Sopot in 1927. It occupies part of the Baltic Sea coast. Not even a year after its opening, Zoppoter Kasino GmbH started operating. The establishment, in its turn, voiced its main requirements according to the gambling regulations. The main one was that people under 21 were not allowed to visit the gambling house.
Otherwise, the casino provided the traditional set:
- a variety of games, including baccarat and roulette;
- separate areas for VIP guests;
- accessible reserve;
- fair payouts, etc.
The establishment quickly became in demand. The considerable influx of guests demanded proper service, so a decision was made to build a hotel near the casino. Thus, many customers became regular or even just stayed for a long time, as the hotel was within walking distance.
The fate of the pioneering casino was tragic. During the Second World War it was destroyed by the Red Army. But the predilection for gambling was not lost. When the war ended, the area was cleared and it took a long time to decide how to locate it. So in 1989 a new gambling house was built.
Peculiarities of Polish gambling industry
Gambling in Poland is regulated by the Ministry of Finance. The legal framework regulating thematic services is in place. Of course, it excludes access to some gambling entertainment, but the industry does not suffer much from this. The main ones are quite accessible, namely:
- slot machines or slots;
- roulette and its forms;
- blackjack;
- poker and its forms;
- bingo.
Documentary controls are carried out on the basis of the Gambling Act. It was passed in 2009. There are also additional or secondary regulations. They concern mainly the procedures of archiving these establishments and their visitors/users.
Licensing
In Poland there is compulsory certification of representatives of the gambling industry. They must also have obligatory financial guarantees. Taking into account a number of amendments regarding online casinos, they may provide lottery and betting services.
The Gambling Act provides for 3 types of licences:
- authorisation to provide land-based casino services;
- the right to conduct betting operations;
- notification of the commencement of the licensed activity.
The latest amendments were made in 2017. They affect certain restrictive models. Due to them, Polish legislation in terms of the gambling and betting industry is notable for its decent severity.
