Introduction
In recent years, the betting industry in Poland has witnessed significant transformation. With the legalization and regulation of online sports betting, Polish polscy bukmacherzy (known locally as “bukmacherzy”) have gained prominence. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Polish bookmakers’ market, including its legal framework, major players, betting options, taxation, and future trends.
1. History of Betting in Poland
Poland has a long-standing tradition of gambling, but modern betting laws began to take shape with the enactment of the Gambling Act in 1992. The real shift came in 2017 when the Gambling Act was amended to allow online sports betting under strict licensing conditions. The primary aim was to combat the growing black market and redirect revenues into the state budget.
2. Legal Framework for Polish Bookmakers
The legal operation of bookmakers in Poland is governed by the Gambling Act of 2009, with significant amendments in 2017. Key provisions include:
- Licensing: Only companies with licenses from the Polish Ministry of Finance can operate legally.
- Domain Blocking: Websites without a Polish license are blacklisted and blocked.
- Taxation: Operators pay a tax of 12% on the betting turnover.
- Responsible Gambling: Licensed bookmakers must promote responsible gaming and provide tools for self-exclusion.
3. Licensed Polish Bookmakers
As of 2025, more than 20 bookmakers hold valid licenses to operate in Poland. Some of the most prominent names include:
- STS.pl: The market leader with a broad range of sports and esports.
- Fortuna: Offers extensive live betting and has retail outlets across Poland.
- LV BET: Known for its partnerships with Polish football clubs.
- Betclic: A European brand that entered Poland after receiving a local license.
- TOTALbet: Offers competitive odds and promotions.
Each of these bookmakers complies with Polish law, ensuring that user data and transactions are secure and that betting is fair.
4. Registration and Verification Process
To open an account with a Polish bookmaker, users must:
- Provide personal information (name, address, PESEL number).
- Verify their identity by uploading a photo ID.
- Accept the terms and conditions, including responsible gambling policies.
Minors (under 18) are strictly prohibited from gambling.
5. Betting Markets and Options
Polish bookmakers offer a wide range of sports and markets, including:
- Football (Ekstraklasa, Premier League, Champions League)
- Basketball (NBA, EuroLeague)
- Tennis (ATP, WTA)
- Esports (CS:GO, League of Legends, Dota 2)
- Winter Sports (Ski jumping, biathlon)
- Special Bets (politics, entertainment)
Betting types include:
- Single bets
- Accumulators
- System bets
- Live (in-play) betting
- Cash-out options
6. Mobile Betting and Apps
Most Polish bookmakers offer dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android. These apps provide:
- Live betting
- Push notifications
- Secure deposits and withdrawals
- User-friendly interfaces
Mobile usage accounts for more than 60% of betting activity in Poland.
7. Bonuses and Promotions
Polish bookmakers compete fiercely with welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, such as:
- No-deposit bonuses for new users
- Matched deposit bonuses (up to a certain percentage)
- Free bets after qualifying deposits or bets
- Cashback promotions for losing bets
All bonuses must adhere to local laws, including full transparency and clear wagering requirements.
8. Payment Methods
Licensed Polish bookmakers support a range of secure payment methods:
- Bank transfers
- Blik (a Polish mobile payment system)
- Przelewy24
- Credit/debit cards
- E-wallets like Skrill or Neteller
Deposits are usually instant, while withdrawals may take 1–3 business days.
9. Taxation for Bettors and Operators
One of the most debated aspects of betting in Poland is taxation:
- Operators: Pay 12% tax on turnover (not profit).
- Players: Winnings are usually tax-free unless they exceed a certain threshold and are not from a licensed operator.
This tax model has been criticized for discouraging higher odds and limiting competitiveness.
10. Black Market and Enforcement
Before the 2017 reforms, unlicensed operators dominated the market. Since then:
- Over 1,500 domains have been blacklisted.
- Enforcement actions include fines and account blocks.
- The black market share has dropped significantly, but it still exists due to higher odds and bonuses from illegal sites.
11. Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Legal Polish bookmakers are required to:
- Offer self-exclusion options
- Provide information on problem gambling
- Limit deposit and play time
- Cooperate with addiction support organizations
Poland also operates a central exclusion register where users can ban themselves from all legal gambling platforms.
12. Sponsorship and Advertising
Licensed bookmakers actively sponsor sports in Poland. For example:
- STS sponsors the Polish national football team.
- LV BET has partnerships with Wisła Kraków and Widzew Łódź.
Advertising is allowed under certain restrictions to avoid targeting minors or suggesting guaranteed wins.
13. Comparing Polish Bookmakers to Foreign Ones
Advantages of Polish bookmakers:
- Legal protection
- Fast payments
- Local customer service
- Compliance with Polish law
Disadvantages:
- Lower odds due to tax
- Fewer international promotions
Some players still prefer foreign sites, but doing so is risky and often illegal.
14. Trends and the Future of Polish Bookmaking
Current and emerging trends include:
- More live and in-play betting
- Growth of esports betting
- AI and machine learning for odds calculation
- Enhanced mobile experiences
- Potential future tax reforms to increase competitiveness
The market is expected to continue growing, particularly in digital sectors.
15. Conclusion
The Polish betting market is one of the most regulated in Europe, ensuring a safe and responsible environment for bettors. While there are still challenges—especially regarding taxation and black market competition—Polish bookmakers are increasingly modern, user-friendly, and innovative. For those interested in betting legally in Poland, licensed operators offer a reliable and engaging platform.
