Looming Reforms in Polish iGaming Against Illegal Casino Operations

The recent statement from the Association for Combating the Grey Area of ​​Gaming and Mutual Betting, “Graj Legalnie,” has ignited discussions throughout the gambling industry in Poland. As reported by BonusBezDepozytu.org, approximately PLN 35 billion flowed out of the country last year through illegal online gambling operations. That figure might soar to PLN 40 billion if new regulations are not introduced by early 2026.

This news resonates strongly with industry stakeholders and sparks pressing questions about the future of iGaming in Poland. There is a growing sense that action must be taken quickly to limit the grey market and address financial, ethical, and consumer protection issues when unlicensed sites lure players away from regulated platforms.

The Ministry of Finance, along with other regulatory bodies, now faces increasing pressure to develop a more comprehensive legal framework capable of addressing the scale of the problem. Gambling acts and amendments were introduced in the past, but many observers argue that these regulations have not kept pace with rapid technological advances. The rise of mobile betting apps and digital casinos with sophisticated user experiences has complicated the situation, leaving current legislation seemingly outdated. Meanwhile, the combined factor of more accessible illegal sites and consumers’ increasing preference for convenience-based online gambling poses a serious threat to licensed operators, to the state’s tax revenues, and the well-being of players.

Mounting Concerns Over Outdated Legislation

The call for urgent reforms arises from the sense that Polish law lags behind modern realities. Many existing regulations were designed in an era when Internet gambling was less accessible and less advanced. The explosive growth of online gaming and the grey market’s infiltration of local consumers have changed the landscape dramatically. Some foreign operators have set up elaborate websites with Polish-language support and attractive bonuses that function without contributing to tax revenues or following the same consumer protection standards that licensed operators must uphold.

The outdated nature of the current regulations is evident in how many unlicensed sites manage to circumvent restrictions, even as they accumulate substantial revenue at the expense of the Polish economy. By not contributing to taxes, these operators maintain a competitive edge, offering higher payouts or more attractive promotions than authorized operators that must abide by strict and costly regulations. This puts legally operating online casinos and bookmakers at a disadvantage, hampering their ability to compete fairly. The sense of injustice is palpable in industry discussions, especially since these unlicensed sites are often beyond the Polish government’s immediate enforcement reach.

Economic Impact and Social Ramifications

The potential of losing up to PLN 40 billion annually to unregulated channels poses significant economic concerns. Under effective regulation, a substantial portion of these funds would cycle back into local communities and government initiatives through taxes. This revenue is especially critical given the high level of taxation imposed on licensed operators in Poland, who fulfill obligations that support social programs and public services. When an illicit entity bypasses such obligations that local casinos are forced to abide by, the state loses not only tax revenue but also shoulders additional social costs when players face possible addiction, unprotected data breaches, or unfavorable conditions for dispute resolution.

At the consumer level, gray-area platforms create alarming vulnerabilities. Players who use these services have less security in the event of a dispute, such as withheld winnings or sudden account suspension without recourse. In addition, funds kept by offshore operators might not be subject to the same anti-money laundering protocols as in Poland’s regulated channels. This can lead to a situation where consumers risk penalties under Polish penal and fiscal codes, even if they were unaware that their website operated in contravention of national law. In these cases, government entities often lack jurisdiction to help players recover lost funds or protect them against unfair practices.

The Need for Swift Reform

Zdzisław Kostrubała and the Graj Legalnie Association contend that the Ministry of Finance must step in decisively. According to Kostrubała, a new act to limit the grey zone should be created immediately, with a firm deadline at the beginning of 2026. This timeframe acknowledges the complexities of drafting, debating, and implementing new legislation. Yet the urgency is underscored by the rapidly escalating sums leaving Poland year after year.

Industry insiders hope new legislation will incorporate models successfully used in other countries where the grey area has been significantly reduced. One example might be the stricter enforcement of domain blacklists and more robust cooperation with financial institutions to block transactions to unlicensed operators. Another approach involves modernizing registration requirements for licensed operators and ensuring faster, more transparent licensing processes. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for legitimate brands to comply while discouraging rogue outfits that exploit legal loopholes.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

As 2026 gets closer, Graj Legalnie and other advocates intend to focus on exposing unlicensed operations and pushing for an updated framework. The public debate will likely revolve around how to balance maintaining a robust regulatory environment and preserving a degree of freedom for local operators to innovate and attract consumers. Many operators prefer a well-defined and consistent set of rules rather than a sporadic crackdown that targets a few unauthorized sites while leaving many others untouched.