What is the difference between Polish online casinos and casinos in other European countries?

It can be challenging to navigate the iGaming industry, particularly in light of regulatory issues.

Companies and players need to be informed of the various laws and regulations that are in place in the various EU member states. Yes, to a certain extent, regulations serve to safeguard players’ interests, maintain fair play, and maintain the integrity of the iGaming sector.

The EU provides guidelines for rules, but individual member states are responsible for overseeing their own gaming sectors. As a result, there are a broad variety of laws and guidelines all over the continent. It’s important to remember that even though there isn’t iGaming legislation in the EU, the EU does have an impact through court rulings and policy suggestions.

In Germany, for example, each state has its own regulations and is slowly but surely heading towards liberalisation. Polish laws, on the other hand, are the most strict among all EU member states.

Legal and regulatory differences

After learning the basics, let’s examine some of the characteristics that these laws usually cover:

• Age Restriction: The age restriction is one of the most common features of iGaming laws. The legal minimum age to play online poker in the EU usually varies from 18 to 21. The legal age to play online casino games is eighteen in the majority of EU nations, with a few exceptions. For instance, gambling is legal in Estonia at age 21, but not in Greece, where the legal age has been set at the highest limit: 23.
• KYC: Casino operators, including those in Poland, demand age verification. The players are asked to provide identification as evidence of age during the registration process. This could entail scanning and sending licenses, passport-like documents, etc.
• Licenses: Licensing is an essential component of iGaming and an industry regulatory pillar. In Poland, however, online casino operators cannot apply for a license due to a state monopoly in this regard.

Market Characteristics and Player Preferences

In Poland, Totalizator Sportowy is the only regulated internet gaming establishment. The Total Casino and online lottery ticket sales are run by a state-owned enterprise. Through Totalizator Sportowy, Poland’s remote gaming sector brought in approximately €3.5 billion in 2020, accounting for over 10% of all online gambling revenue in Europe.

Although Totalizator Sportowy is the only legally operating online casino in Poland, there are nearly 5,000 other online casinos and gaming providers worth checking out globally. All of them are illegal in Poland, unfortunately.

‘Polski rynek zakładów bukmacherskich jest dynamiczny i konkurencyjny, pomimo rygorystycznych przepisów dotyczących gier hazardowych. Nasi eksperci z https://casinorix-pl.com/ przewidują, że do 2026 roku krajowy przemysł gier przyniesie około 10,1 miliarda złotych’ – says Filip Kamiński, the Head of Content at CasinoRIX. ‘Stały wzrost przypisuje się rosnącym wydatkom graczy i rozwijającemu się biznesowi kasyn online w Polsce’.

Cultural and social influences on gambling

As of right now, there are roughly 40 casinos in the nation. They can be found in a few upscale restaurants and hotels. However, how did the idea of casino gaming come to be in Poland?

The history of Polish casinos indicates that many players have a particular place in their hearts for Sopot. On August 6, 1930, Poland’s first casino opened for business. Although land-based casinos have a lengthy history in this nation, they have recently undergone certain distinctive alterations.

A major step toward regulating the internet market was taken in 2009 with the passage of the Gambling Act, which placed restrictions on companies. It presented difficulties for operators and players due to its strict licensing procedures and high taxes. The industry has grown more slowly and is under control as a result.

Conclusion

The EU does not have any particular laws pertaining to gaming services. Therefore, it is fully up to the member states of the European Union to shape their legal landscape in a way that upholds the fundamental liberties guaranteed by the Treaty.

Online gambling sites are legal in some countries. Some permit only certain games (poker, betting, or even casino games). Certain European governments, including the Polish one, have created a monopoly in the provision of internet gaming services. Foreign and Polish operators can apply for the permit only in theory.

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