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Argentina gambling license
What is a Gambling License in Argentina? Gambling license in Argentina is a permit issued by provincial or municipal authorities…
01.12.2025
Publication date: 2 December 2025
Poland’s Gambling License in 2025-2026: Requirements for Bookmakers and Online Operators
Poland’s Gambling License (Gambling License Poland | Poland Betting License Requirements) — is a document that grants private operators the right to conduct online betting activities. The Polish gambling market is strictly regulated: online betting is available only through licensed private companies, while online casinos, slots, and poker rooms remain under the monopoly of state-owned Totalizator Sportowy. Obtaining a license requires compliance with numerous requirements set by the Ministry of Finance of Poland.
For more information about the iGaming market in Poland and practical aspects for affiliate marketing, you can read the article: iGaming in Poland: Affiliate Marketing Practices.
This information is current as of November 2025. Regulatory requirements may change. Always consult local legal professionals before submitting any documents.
Gambling License in Poland: Key Legislative Changes 2024-2025
Since 2024, stricter requirements have been introduced regarding guarantee deposits and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, which aim at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. All operators are required to register in the Central Register of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (Centralny Rejestr Beneficjentów Rzeczywistych or CRBR), where data on all individuals who directly or indirectly own 5% or more shares in the company must be entered. Additionally, full technical compliance with personal data protection standards (RODO/GDPR) must be ensured.
Who Can Obtain a Gambling License in Poland?
Key requirements for applicants:
- A legal entity registered in Poland as a joint-stock company (spółka akcyjna, SA) or limited liability company (spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością, sp. z o.o.);
- Minimum share capital: 100,000 PLN for SA, 5,000 PLN for Sp. z o.o.;
- No criminal records for all beneficial owners and directors;
- Transparent ownership structure without offshore companies;
- Physical office located within Poland’s territory.
Types of Licenses and Permits for Gambling License in Poland
| Type of Activity | Type of Document | Validity Period | Features |
| Online Sports Betting | Zezwolenie | 6 years | Main focus for private operators, requires a security deposit of 480,000 PLN |
| Land-Based Casinos | Koncesja | 6 years | Significant investments in real estate and infrastructure |
| Slot Machines | Koncesja | 6 years | Placement only in licensed establishments |
| Promotional Lotteries | Zezwolenie | 2 years | Simplified procedure, lower financial requirements |
| Bingo | Koncesja | 6 years | Conducted in specially equipped premises |
Prohibited Activities
In Poland, the following activities are strictly prohibited: betting exchange, spread betting, financial bets, as well as any casino games disguised as sports betting. Violation of these prohibitions leads to immediate blocking and significant fines.
Financial Requirements and Taxes for Gaming License Holders in Poland
| Payment Type | Amount | Conditions and Terms |
| Registration Fee | 10,000 PLN | Paid upon application submission, non-refundable |
| Security Deposit | 480,000 PLN | Only applicable to online betting, according to Article 60 of the Act on Games of Chance (Ustawy o grach hazardowych) |
| Annual License Fee | 100,000 – 500,000 PLN | Depends on transaction volume and type of license |
| Bet Turnover Tax | 12% | Paid monthly from all accepted bets |
| Player Winnings Tax | 10% | Withheld from winnings exceeding 2,280 PLN |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | 0% | Exemption for gambling services |
The total fiscal burden reaches 15-20% of gross gaming revenue. When planning business operations, it is essential to consider all mandatory payments, including corporate income tax at 19%.
Technical Requirements for Obtaining a Gambling License in Poland and Operator Infrastructure
Mandatory Technical Standards:
- Main servers and player databases must be hosted in Poland;
- Providing round-the-clock technical access for the Ministry of Finance;
- Mandatory use of the .pl domain for marketing activities;
- Integration with Centralny Rejestr Funkcji Hazardowych (CRF);
- Compliance with data protection standards RODO/GDPR;
- Real-time data backup system;
- Transaction monitoring system for AML/CFT.
AML/CFT Procedures and Registration in GIIF for Polish Gambling License
Generalny Inspektor Informacji Finansowej (GIIF) — is a Polish government authority responsible for ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations (AML/CFT). It operates within the Ministry of Finance and performs the role of national Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Its key responsibilities include analyzing suspicious financial transactions, monitoring large-value transfers, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies. Registration with GIIF enables legitimate business operations and ensures control over transactions and customer identification.
Obligations for Combating Money Laundering:
- Registration with Generalny Inspektor Informacji Finansowej (GIIF) prior to applying for a license;
- Development and implementation of internal AML/CFT (Counter Financing of Terrorism) procedures in accordance with Polish legislation;
- Training employees in identifying and reporting suspicious transactions;
- Monthly monitoring of transactions and annual reporting to GIIF;
- Maintaining a registry of suspicious transactions for 5 years.
Responsible Gaming and Player Rights Protection Under Poland’s Gambling License
Polish legislation sets strict requirements for player protection. Operators are obligated to implement:
- Self-exclusion system ranging from 24 hours up to 5 years;
- Automatic default deposit limits;
- Regular notifications about time spent playing;
- Information banners warning about risks associated with gambling addiction;
- Option to set personalized betting and deposit limits;
- Exclusion programs and counseling support.
Legally Licensed Gambling Operators in Poland
Companies holding valid licenses issued by the Ministry of Finance:
- STS — market leader with the largest share;
- Fortuna — second largest operator by volume;
- Betcris, eWinner, TOTALbet — stable players in the mid-range segment;
- Etoto, Superbet, LV BET, forBET — other license holders.
Data sourced from the official register of licensed operators maintained by the Ministry of Finance of Poland.
Blocked International Operators
International brands such as Bet365, Betano, Unibet, Betsson, Betway, Bwin and others have been added to the list of banned websites and are blocked by Polish internet service providers.
Process of Obtaining a Gambling License in Poland: Timeframes, Stages, Requirements
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Directors’ Responsibility and Reporting Obligations under Poland’s Gambling License
Executives bear personal responsibility for complying with the law. The following reports are submitted monthly:
- Detailed statements on betting volumes and payouts;
- Tax returns on turnover and winnings;
- Data for AML/CFT monitoring;
- Audit of RODO-compliant data protection systems;
- Reports on responsible gaming programs.
Directors must have impeccable business reputations and confirm no convictions over the past 10 years. The regulator carries out a thorough check of their professional history.
Penalties and Sanctions for Non-Compliance with Polish Gambling License Requirements
| Violation Type | Penalty Amount | Additional Sanctions |
| Operating Without a License | Up to 100% of illegal proceeds | Domain blockade, criminal prosecution |
| Non-compliance with AML/CFT Regulations | Up to 5,000,000 PLN | License suspension, GIIF investigation |
| Failure to Comply with RODO/GDPR | Up to 4% of global company turnover | Ban on processing personal data |
| Breaching Advertising Rules | Up to 500,000 PLN | Restriction of marketing activities |
| Non-adherence to Responsible Gaming Requirements | Up to 1,000,000 PLN | Suspension of new player registration |
The Polish gambling market remains challenging for international operators to enter. Successful licensing requires meticulous preparation, deep understanding of local regulatory requirements, and readiness for lengthy approval processes. Legal operation is possible only through establishing a Polish legal entity and fully complying with all provisions of the Ustawa o grach hazardowych (Law on Gambling), taking into account recent changes made in 2024-2025.
FAQ
Which international operators hold a valid gambling license in Poland?
As of November 2025, no major international brands (Bet365, Betway, Betsson, 888, Bwin, etc.) hold an active Polish gambling license. All legally operating platforms are domestic companies: STS, Fortuna, Betcris, eWinner, TOTALbet, Etoto, Superbet, LV BET, and forBET. International operators are blocked by Polish internet service providers.
What is the total cost to obtain a gambling license in Poland in 2025?
The comprehensive cost ranges from 600,000 to 1,200,000 PLN and includes: registration fee (10,000 PLN), security deposit (480,000 PLN), annual license fee (100,000-500,000 PLN), legal representation, and technical setup. Additionally, operators must account for 12% bet turnover tax and 10% player winnings tax over 2,280 PLN.
Can private operators obtain an online casino license in Poland?
No. Online casinos, slots, and poker rooms remain under the exclusive monopoly of Totalizator Sportowy, the state-owned operator. Private companies can only apply for online sports betting licenses (Zezwolenie). Prohibited activities include betting exchange, spread betting, and any casino-style games disguised as sports betting.
What are the main technical requirements for Poland gambling license compliance?
Mandatory technical standards include: hosting main servers and player databases in Poland, providing 24/7 access to the Ministry of Finance, using a .pl domain for marketing, integrating with Centralny Rejestr Funkcji Hazardowych (CRF), complying with RODO/GDPR data protection, and implementing AML/CFT transaction monitoring systems.
What penalties apply for operating without a gambling license in Poland?
Operating without a license can result in fines up to 100% of illegal revenue, domain blocking, and criminal prosecution. Other violations include: AML/CFT non-compliance (up to 5,000,000 PLN), RODO/GDPR breaches (up to 4% of global turnover), and responsible gaming violations (up to 1,000,000 PLN). The Ministry of Finance daily updates its blocked websites list.
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