Polish Gambling Authority Fines Unlicensed Betting Companies
The Polish Gambling Authority has begun a persecution of unlicensed betting firms, imposing heavy fines on any platform without official legal recognition. The government’s view is that the gambling authorities haven’t done enough to contain the spread of unlicensed platforms, affecting Polish users online experience and safety. In collaboration with the department, they will now hand out hefty fines to any platform operating without a valid license, continuing until the persecuted firm obtains official validation.
The Polish gambling authority has taken severe action against unlicensed betting platforms, imposing severe fines to any firm unwilling to obtain an official license through legal processes ©pedro_wroclaw/Pixabay
Any users signed up to flagged websites will be forced to relinquish their accounts in order for the government to restrict the platform from operating effectively properly. By removing the customer base, operators will be forced to agree to the government’s demands and gambling authority; some argue this is an unethical strategy, whereas others claim the whole industry is unethical.
The Polish Ministry of Finance is heavily linked with the ongoing operations and controls fines and economic pressure. The Polish government usually maintains a ‘do nothing’ attitude, but now the problem is deemed to be of high importance. The safety of the country’s gamblers is their top priority. They’ve concocted an effective strategy to target unlicensed platforms and force them to agree with the legal process they have deemed justifiable.
While betting companies are the culprits of the operation, individuals in partnership with unregulated sites could also face prosecution for their actions. While no prison time is on the cards, larger and larger fines will find their way to your door for as long as the unregulated online platform remains operational. Several Polish firms have already caved to the governments’ demands and officially obtained gambling licenses meaning they’re no longer a target of the gambling authority.
Poland has therefore become one of the harshest countries in the world where unregulated gambling is concerned. Europe has the tightest restrictions globally, yet its largest nations, such as Germany and France, don’t have the same authoritarian mindset. Once forgotten suspicions now look to come true as it’s now thought that the Polish government will eventually ban online gambling and casinos from one end of the axis to the other in a matter of years.
The Government’s New Ultimatum
As the government deepens its intentions to overcome the wave of unregulated betting sites, players have complained that they don’t know which sites they can and can’t trust. In response, the gambling authority has released an official list of licensed gambling sites suitable for use. The list includes a variety of sites offering casino, live sports and eSport betting options for all customers over the age of 18. The list is subject to change, new sites will be added, and unsuitable candidates may be struck off
It’s a turbulent time for the Polish gambling industry. Just last week, the government announced a vaccine lottery that would reward civilians who took the covid jab. Casinos all over Europe have struggled to survive after the economic devastation caused by the pandemic across the continent.
The state-controlled Totalizator Sportowy are the current market leader and control a significant portion of the Polish industry. iGaming services contribute significantly to the countries tax system and budget. Taxation of other firms reaps far less than the revenue sourced from Totalizator Sportowy. The government have received criticism for attempting to benefit their own operation by twisting the market in their favor; they’re looking to hold onto a significant dominance they currently have.
Gambling halls and land-based establishments are finally reopening Everyone is hesitant, but predictions indicate that activity will peak in the coming months allowing most businesses to continue. The European casino industry as a whole has taken a long time to reopen and the recovery period will indefinitely stretch over a few years.
The Polish government has sent a very clear message with the new regulations, all unlicensed operations are now targeted and will most likely be removed permanently should they not comply with the rules. Individuals in executive positions will receive fines reaching above six figures. The gambling authority is looking to deal a final knockout to all unregulated operations to protect the players of Poland better.
