Poland Faces Mounting Pressure to Reform Gambling Laws as Industry Evolves

Poland's gambling industry continues to operate under a regulatory framework established over 15 years ago, even as calls for modernization grow louder amid technological advances and market pressures that have transformed the gaming landscape.

The country's gambling sector remains governed by the Gambling Act of November 19, 2009, with its most significant modifications implemented in 2017. However, industry experts and policymakers are increasingly questioning whether these regulations are equipped to handle the challenges facing Poland's gaming market in 2025.

State Monopoly Under Scrutiny

The centerpiece of Poland's current regulatory approach is the state monopoly on online casino games, exclusively operated by Totalizator Sportowy since the 2017 amendments. This system was designed to combat the growing "grey zone" of unlicensed operators while ensuring player protection and state revenue collection.

Supporting this monopoly is Poland's controversial domain blacklist – officially known as the "Register of Domains Used to Offer Gambling Games Not in Compliance with the Act." The system requires telecommunications operators to block websites offering gambling services without Polish licenses, a measure that has drawn both praise for consumer protection and criticism for market restriction.

Currently, internationally regulated casinos online available to Polish players are limited to the state-operated platform, creating a highly restricted market environment. This limitation has led to ongoing debates about whether Polish consumers have adequate access to safe, regulated gaming options, particularly as demand for online casino services continues to grow across the European Union.

Licensing Framework Remains Restrictive

Under current regulations, gambling operators must navigate a complex licensing process overseen by the Ministry of Finance. The law strictly defines which games can be offered and where:

• Casino-exclusive games: Roulette, card games, dice games, and slot machines can only be operated in licensed casino venues
• Poker exception: Tournament poker can be organized outside casinos, provided at least 10 participants are involved and proper reporting to tax administration chambers occurs
• Bookmaking: Requires specific ministerial licensing with strict operational requirements

The regulatory framework also imposes significant advertising restrictions, limiting content and targeting to protect minors and vulnerable populations – measures that have reduced the industry's marketing reach but enhanced consumer protection according to recent assessments.

Growing Pressure for Reform

Industry stakeholders report increasing frustration with the current system's limitations. The rise of new gaming technologies, cryptocurrency integration, and evolving player preferences have created regulatory gaps that the 2009 legislation – even with its 2017 updates – struggles to address.

"The gambling act may be amended in the near future to better meet the challenges of the modern gaming industry

notes recent industry analysis, reflecting growing consensus among market participants about the need for comprehensive reform.

Particular concern centers on the continued activity of illegal operators, which undermine both player protection measures and state tax revenue. This "grey zone" problem has intensified debates about whether current enforcement mechanisms are sufficient or if structural changes to the regulatory approach are needed.

Demonopolization Debate Intensifies

Perhaps the most significant development in 2025 is the increasing discussion around potential demonopolization of online casino operations. Critics argue that the current monopoly system limits innovation and consumer choice, while supporters maintain it ensures proper oversight and revenue collection.

The debate reflects broader questions about market liberalization versus state control that extend beyond gambling into other sectors of Poland's economy. With illegal operators continuing to attract Polish players despite blocking efforts, some policymakers are reconsidering whether a controlled competitive market might better serve both consumers and state interests.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The regulatory uncertainty is having measurable effects on Poland's gambling market development. Licensed operators report constraints on innovation and growth, while enforcement agencies struggle with the technical challenges of blocking increasingly sophisticated illegal operations.

As Poland's gaming industry continues to evolve, the tension between maintaining strict control and enabling market growth appears likely to drive significant policy discussions throughout 2025. Whether this results in substantial regulatory reform or continued incremental adjustments remains to be seen.

Timeline: Key Events in Polish Gambling Regulation

2009, November 19

• Gambling Act Enacted: Poland passes comprehensive gambling legislation establishing the foundational framework for gaming regulation, designed to limit the "grey zone" and ensure player protection

2017

• Major Amendment Implementation: Sweeping changes introduce state monopoly on online casino games through Totalizator Sportowy
• Domain Blacklist Launch: "Register of Domains Used to Offer Gambling Games Not in Compliance with the Act" established, requiring ISP blocking of unlicensed sites
• Advertising Restrictions: New limitations on gambling advertising content and reach implemented to protect minors and vulnerable populations
• Licensing Requirements: Mandatory ministerial licensing introduced for bookmaking companies

2018-2024

• Enforcement Period: Gradual implementation and refinement of 2017 reforms, with ongoing efforts to combat illegal operators

2025, January-June

• Reform Discussions Intensify: Growing industry and political debate about potential demonopolization of online casinos
• Grey Zone Concerns: Increased focus on illegal operator activity and revenue losses to the state budget
• Technology Challenges: Recognition that current regulations may not adequately address new gaming technologies and market trends

2025, Second Half (Anticipated)

• Potential Legislative Review: Industry experts predict possible initiation of comprehensive gambling law review process
• Policy Consultations: Expected stakeholder engagement on potential reforms to address modern gaming industry challenges