The online gambling industry has become a fast-growing and lucrative business due to a global audience and innovative technological development. Alongside successful technological solutions, diverse payment options, and superior game design, the regulatory system has become a complex issue, primarily because each country adheres to unique laws and regulates the gambling industry differently.
One of the most important factors from the Polish player’s point of view is knowing they are not breaking the law in their country by enjoying their favorite online game and choosing Polskie kasyno online legalne options. This article will provide tips on how to avoid potential legal issues as a Polish online gambler.
The Polish Gambling Regulation
Poland is a strict country when it comes to online gambling. The state has a monopoly over most types of online gambling except for betting and promotional lotteries. Total Casino is a state-owned online casino that provides slot machine games, card games, and roulette. The state has not exerted a monopoly over all gambling-like activities, apart from lottery, telebingo, and number games. The situation changed in 2017 with the state-owned company Totalizator Sportowy sp. z o.o. taking over the reigning position of a casino-style game provider.
The Act of 2009
Online gambling is regulated by the Act of 19 November 2009, and it defines gambling games as games of chance, betting, card games, and slot machines. However, the distinction between a chance and a skill-based game is often difficult to negotiate, as is deciding if the game should be regulated by the Act.
Polish law does not define skill games, but it is understood that games through which participants measure skills through competition, like sports, are not bound by the legal restrictions of the 2009 Act. Fantasy sports games are also not defined in Polish law. The major issue remains the difficulty of always establishing a clear line between activities that are and are not considered gambling.
The pressure from other EU countries resulted in an amendment to the 2013 Gambling Act, which allowed transactions from all European licensed payment processors, like e-wallets. The decision was beneficial for Polish players since now they could more easily fund their accounts and transfer money when engaging in online betting.
Offshore Gambling for Polish Players
It is important to note that offshore gambling is illegal in Poland, save for lottery and betting. However, in order to do so, the private entities behind them should obtain a permit. The strict legal framework makes the search for the best Polskie kasyno online BLIK a challenging but not impossible endeavor.
The VPN Dilemma
One of the often-discussed solutions to restricted areas is VPN, a protected IP address that hides the user’s actual location. Although this can be useful when browsing or wishing to protect your personal data from hackers, it is not advisable for online gambling.
Some casinos will recognize you have a VPN and block you instantly unless you have a premium VPN type that sometimes manages to deceive even online casinos with robust security. However, note that registering and depositing usually do not require much information; withdrawals do.
“Reputable casinos will ask for proof of identity before a withdrawal: an ID, proof of address, or a similar document. If your location is restricted, you might get into legal trouble if discovered. There are still enough options out there that accept Polish players, so I always advise against deception,” says Kuba Nowakowski, KasynaOnlinePolskie’s author and an online gambler.
Foreign Sites and Gambling
The easiest and most legal manner of engaging in offshore online activities is through bookmakers. Many online bookmakers do accept Polish players and offer better odds than the Polish, who cannot compete due to high government taxes. Below is a list of some of the best bookmakers that accept Polish players.
- 20 Bet
- PowBet
- BC Game
- Legend Play
- Punter
The Best Online Gambling Platforms for Polish Players
Despite the country’s restrictive gambling policy, many Polish players enjoy licensed international online casinos that do not restrict their location. To stay on the safe side, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right one. We shall discuss each briefly in the paragraphs below.
Choosing a Casino
While browsing for a casino, pay attention to whether it holds a legitimate license, includes provably fair and up-to-date security mechanisms, accepts players from Poland, and offers your payment method of choice.
License
The best way to not only get into legal trouble but potentially lose money and sensitive personal data is to engage with a casino without proper licensing. A license means the platform is legit and not a scam.
Provably Fair
Alongside a rich game portfolio by reputable game developers, legitimate casinos practice individual game audits that ensure the results are random and not tampered with.
Security
SSL encryption, multifactor authentication, and KYC are all vital parts of the casino’s security system and are there to protect both the operators and players.
Location Restriction and Payment Methods
As a player, you need to make sure the casino you wish to register at allows your country of residence and provides payment options that are accessible to you. Thankfully, online gambling platforms incorporate diverse funding options, from bank cards to e-wallets and cryptocurrencies. Still, some payment methods do not work for both deposit and withdrawal, so make sure you have accurate information on that matter.
Online Gambling Platforms to Consider
Nobody can suggest the best casino because people have different tastes and priorities. However, this section will suggest some of the best choices for Polish players you could try. All brands on the list include favorite Polish payment methods like BLIK and Przelewy24 and allow Polish players.
Boomerang Bet Casino
The platform has a huge game portfolio with titles powered by the iconic NetEnt, Microgaming, and more. It offers multiple payment options, boasts advanced 256-bit SSL encryption, and includes Polish-speaking agents in their 24/7 customer support live chat.
22Bet Casino
Polish players can expect generous bonuses for their currency, swift payouts, a Curacao license, and regular audits that ensure a fair game. Their bonus terms are fair and easy to understand.
Coins Game Casino
If you want Polish-themed games, like slots and live dealers, this is a casino you should consider. It has low welcome bonus wagering requirements, Polish agents, and customizable self-exclusion and control tools for potentially problematic players.
Conclusion
Although Poland has a history of gambling activities and had a relaxed attitude towards it in the last decades of the 20th century, the new millennium has brought a strict climate when it comes to gambling.
The monopoly over gambling activities has fallen into the hands of the state, which resulted in some legal local operators and often worse odds and offers due to high government taxes and generally restricted markets.
Nevertheless, Polish players have discovered international sites that allow them to indulge in recreational betting, and the acceptance of e-wallets has eased online transactions. Despite the fact that EU countries pressure Poland to loosen regulations on gambling, the current climate does not suggest any significant change is likely to take place in the near future.
Still, Polish players do have options but should avoid engaging in risky endeavors to avoid legal problems.
