Poland: High fines for participation in illegal online gambling

The Polish government will with immediate effect proceed harshly against illegal online gambling. It is not only the gambling providers which will be followed, but also the casino players. A few days ago, the Polish Finance Ministry published a warning and threatened with a fine amounting to millions.

For those who gamble in an unlicensed online casino in Poland, it could in the future become really expensive. The Polish government is now proceeding rigorously against illegal online gambling. One can face severe penalties which could fast amount to dizzying heights for providers and players.

Where are Polish gambling fans allowed to play?

Currently only around 22 gambling providers hold the Polish Sports betting licence. Casino games across the whole country may only be provided by the state provider, Totalizator Sportowy. Only recently we reported that the popular Greentube-Games such as the Book of Ra™ or Sizzling Hot™ at Totalizator Sportowy in Poland are finally available again.

This means that no other gambling provider except the state casino provider may offer virtual slot machines, table games or card games. However, practise has shown that there are several online casinos which specifically target Polish gamblers with their offer. For this reason, a few days ago the national tax authority and the finance ministry issued a statement. Among other things, this states:

“We would like to remind you that participation in foreign gambling (…) is punishable with a penalty of up to 120 day fines.”

According to media reports, casino players can face a fine which when converted amounts to around 980,000 Euro. However this is calculated depending on the income, so that players with low income have only to face a comparatively low fine. The online casinos themselves have to face an even higher fine of up to 3,4 million Euro. Besides this, those responsible for online casinos can face a prison sentence of up to three years.

What is surprising in the recent announcement is that the Polish government wants to proceed harshly even against the players. In most other countries, the focus is more on the sanctioning of illegal gambling providers. It is questionable, to what extent the Polish investigating authorities will finally proceed against the casino players. It is also interesting to see which technical instruments will and may be used for identification purposes. Till then, Polish gambling fans should better stick to the licensed gambling providers. It is not excluded, that further providers will receive a sports betting licence in the future.

Conclusion

Even Polish casino players may face a severe penalty at illegal online casinos. One expects that the recent announcement of the finance ministry will deter many players from gambling at foreign online casinos which do not hold a Polish licence. One has to wait and see if the players will be penalised for their actions. It is a fact that the Polish government means business when it comes to fight unregulated online gambling.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/warschau-skyline-stadtbild-996626/