Polish gambling reforms a matter of political will, not partisan divide
On [June 2], the world learned of the election of Poland’s new president – Karol Nawrocki. What does this mean for the gambling industry?
Nawrocki leads the Law and Justice Party (in Poland called PiS), which has been responsible for tightening regulations in the gambling sector.
It was under L&J rule, in 2017, that the state gained a monopoly over large parts of the gambling market , including online casinos and slot machines operated outside of casino venues. Further policies saw “The Register of Domains Used to Offer Gambling Games in Violation of the Act” sanctioned by L&J.
The party generally supports centralization and strong state control over gambling, which translates into more difficult operating conditions for the industry.
Poland’s election of Karol Nawrocki signals a continuation of state-led control over the gambling sector. However, Dr Justyna Grusza-Głębicka argues that regardless of whether the government is conservative or liberal, it must confront and resolve the structural issues undermining Poland’s gambling market.
On Monday, the world learned of the election of Poland’s new president – Karol Nawrocki. What does this mean for the gambling industry?
Nawrocki leads the Law and Justice Party (in Poland called PiS), which has been responsible for tightening regulations in the gambling sector.
It was under L&J rule, in 2017, that the state gained a monopoly over large parts of the gambling market , including online casinos and slot machines operated outside of casino venues. Further policies saw “The Register of Domains Used to Offer Gambling Games in Violation of the Act” sanctioned by L&J.
The party generally supports centralisation and strong state control over gambling, which translates into more difficult operating conditions for the industry.
In contrast, Civic Platform (in Poland called PO), the main political rival of L&J, is generally more open to private enterprise, supports closer integration with the EU, and is more welcoming to international business and the removal of barriers.
For the past two parliamentary terms, when the Polish Parliament was dominated by L&J, there were no anticipated liberal changes in the gambling industry. However, the situation shifted at the end of 2023, when the balance of power in parliament changed and Civic Platform gained real influence. This gave rise to new hopes, although due to the previous gambling-related scandal involving Civic Platform, it was expected that any steps taken by the party would be careful.
In October 2024, the Department of Gambling Market Regulation and Gambling Tax was established in Poland. Recently, there has also been no shortage of debates regarding potential changes in the law. For instance, in March 2025, a meeting of the Parliamentary Team for the Free Market was held, focusing on illegal gambling in Poland, and attended by industry representatives.
The gambling industry in Poland is lobbying for a change in the tax system for bookmakers from the current 12% turnover tax to a GGR-based model as well as for the liberalisation of regulations related to online casinos, and allowing private operators into this area.
For those in the gambling industry who were hoping for regulatory changes in Poland, the presidential victory of Karol Nawrocki is not the most promising news.
As a result of the presidential election, Poland now has what is known as a divided government. While Civic Platform (along with the Third Way and New Left) holds a parliamentary majority, the presidency remains in the hands of a L&J representative. This means that passing new legislation may be difficult, as the president has the power to veto decisions made by parliament.
Interestingly, in the presidential election, third place was taken by Sławomir Mentzen, the leader of the Confederation party, whose views are decidedly pro-free market. Mentzen openly criticises the monopolisation of various sectors by the state.
To conclude… The hope for changes in the gambling industry has not disappeared entirely, although the outlook is not as promising as it would have been had a Civic Platform candidate won the presidency. Nevertheless, considering the significant size of the grey market in the industry and ongoing technological progress, changes to Poland’s Gambling Act are necessary and sooner or later, the government will need to address them.
https://sbcnews.co.uk/europe/2025/06/06/polish-gambling-reforms/