Unlicensed Operators Exit Poland

By Jess Plowden, Last updated Mar 31, 2017

Keen to avoid new EU compliant regulations

Unlicensed operators are exiting Poland in droves ahead of the April 1 introduction of a new regulatory framework.

The new regulations will be compliant with EU law, making any unlicensed “grey market” activity risky.

William Hill, Betfair, EnergyBet, Pinnacle and bet365 are among companies pulling up stakes, many of them declaring the forthcoming Polish market unattractive due to a new 12% tax on sports betting turnover, heavier marketing restrictions and limits that appear to favour local operators — specifically the state monopoly: Totalizator Sportowy.

“We have advised the Polish authorities that their fiscal framework is not workable,” said Clive Hawkswood, head of RGA (The Remote Gambling Association), the online gambling trade association. “This will continue to stifle competition, value and choice for consumers.”

Polish Bet365 and William Hill customers are advised to withdraw funds from their accounts by the end of the month while affiliates have been advised to to remove all links and ads related to the two companies’ operations in Poland.

The Polish government announced that from July 1, it will begin blocking payment services and IPs of unlicensed operators who continue to accept Polish customers.

Estimates are that authorized gaming operators currently make up only 10% of the market in Poland.

Online Casino News Courtesy of Infopowa

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