Poland reiterates stance against illegal online operators

The Polish government has issued a warning to Polish residents against partaking in illegal online gambling in the country. The Ministry of Finance and the National Revenue Administration issued a joint statement to remind Poles to steer clear of foreign gambling platforms or interacting with unlicensed operators. The bodies state that operator Totalizator Sportowy is the only legal option for igaming in the country, with the exception of betting and promotional lotteries, via state monopoly. There are just two legal internet domains on which casino games provided by the state monopoly are available. Operators which offer illegal igaming in Poland are subject to a fine of up to PLN4.4m (£841,206). A potential minimum fine of PLN933.33 (£175.29) is also in place under article 23 of the fiscal penal code. The Polish government currently holds a blacklist of online operators which features 14,620 domains, including brands like Unibet and Royal Panda. The Ministry of Finance and the National Revenue Administration also noted it was illegal to use a domain or website that is on the blacklist. The joint statement read: “We would like to remind you that participation in a foreign gambling game or in a gambling game organised or conducted contrary to the provisions of the Gambling Act or the terms of the license or permit is subject to a fine. “We would like to remind you that the legal organisation of online gambling, with the exception of betting and promotional lotteries, is subject to the state monopoly of Totalizator Sportowy.” There are however 22 legal online sports betting operators permitted in Poland, all of which have been granted a licence by the minister responsible for public finances. These include global betting brands like Fortuna, STS, Superbet and Betclic.