In recent years, Poland’s sports betting industry has grown significantly, largely due to the introduction and regulation of legalni bukmacherzy w Polsce (legal bookmakers in Poland). The Polish government has implemented strict laws to ensure that sports betting is conducted fairly, transparently, and safely. But what does it mean to be a legal bookmaker in Poland, and why is it important for bettors?
What are Legalni Bukmacherzy?
Legalni bukmacherzy w Polsce are licensed betting operators that are officially registered and approved by the Polish Ministry of Finance. These bookmakers operate under the country’s gambling laws, particularly the Gambling Act of 2009, which was updated in 2017 to include stricter controls on illegal operators and online betting platforms.
Only companies with a valid license issued by the Ministry of Finance are allowed to offer sports betting services in Poland. This ensures that they adhere to strict regulatory standards, including fair play, responsible gambling practices, and proper tax contributions.
Why is Licensing Important?
The primary purpose of requiring a license is to protect Polish bettors. Licensed bookmakers are regularly audited, must secure players’ funds, and are obliged to follow bukmacherzy polska responsible gaming policies. Betting with unlicensed companies, on the other hand, can be risky — users may face issues such as unfair odds, withheld payouts, or complete shutdowns of rogue platforms.
Moreover, Polish law states that only winnings from legal bookmakers are tax-free up to a certain limit. Winnings from illegal sources are subject to penalties, and bettors can even face fines for using unauthorized websites.
How to Identify Legal Bookmakers in Poland
There are several clear signs that a bookmaker is legal in Poland:
- Listed on the Ministry of Finance’s official website
- Displays a valid license number on its homepage or in the footer
- Offers terms and services in Polish language
- Requires account verification (KYC)
- Has a “.pl” domain or operates a localized Polish version of their site
Some of the most well-known legal bookmakers in Poland include:
- STS (Star-Typ Sport)
- Fortuna
- LV BET
- Betclic
- TOTALbet
- eWinner
These companies offer a wide range of sports markets, live betting options, competitive odds, and mobile platforms — all within the legal framework of Polish law.
The Tax Aspect
In Poland, a 12% tax on each bet is automatically deducted when placing a wager with a licensed bookmaker. While this might seem discouraging to some, it ensures the legality and security of the betting experience. Some operators run promotions that cover this tax for players, offering “no-tax” bonuses or increased odds to stay competitive.
The Future of Legal Betting in Poland
With the continued growth of the online gambling market, the Polish government remains committed to strengthening its regulatory framework. This includes blocking illegal websites, increasing public awareness, and encouraging players to choose legal platforms.
The success of legalni bukmacherzy w Polsce proves that when proper regulation meets consumer interest, it creates a fair and safe environment for all parties involved — players, operators, and the state.