The topic of today’s article will be an overview of the gambling market in Poland. We will tell about the methodology of choosing a quality online casino and make a list of the best online casinos in Poland. We will also talk about the state regulation of various types of gambling, and familiarize you with the history of gambling in Poland. Be sure to consider the main bonuses available to Polish players, and separately highlight the situation with betting on horse racing. And of course, we will analyze the convenient methods of deposit in online casinos, which are available in Poland, and talk about the various lotteries and poker.
Best Online Casinos For Polish People
Polish laws on online casinos? Kinda murky. The state company, Totalizator Sportowy, pretty much has a monopoly on these games.
As a result, there’s a bunch of offshore online casinos operating in the grey zone. Loads of players are left scratching their heads, not knowing how to tell the champs from the chumps. No worries, we’ve got the deets on that further down. But for now, check out this list of the best online casinos available for the Polish posse:
Gambling’s been kicking around Poland for about 500 years. The whole shebang started around the time of the Lublin Union, dating back to roughly 1569. Poland’s first brick-and-mortar casino opened its doors in the 19th century, setting up shop in the buzzing city of Sopot by the Baltic Sea in 1823. This joint was the go-to spot for Polish punters and jet-setters from all over Europe. Its heyday was the 1930s, but by the 1940s, the German military had it on lockdown.
Post World War II? The Soviets put the kibosh on all gambling in Poland. That ban stayed in place till the 90s. With the Soviet Union biting the dust, local big shots started moving towards making gambling legit again. The first modern-ish law that set the stage was the “Gaming and Mutual Bets Act” of 1992. Then, the more detailed “Gambling Act” of 2009 laid out the rules of the game, meaning only legal entities could handle the cash games.
Fast forward to 2016, Poland’s parliament made some tweaks to the existing rules, especially focusing on those rogue, unlicensed brands operating in Poland. The Ministry of Finance whipped up a registry for all these unregistered online casinos and bookies. From then on, they had to splash this info on their sites and toe the line with certain demands. Any slip-ups? They’d be looking at hefty fines and a cold shoulder from Polish players.
Legality and regulation of gambling
The big boss of gambling regulations? That’s the “Gambling Law” from November 19, 2009. According to this bad boy, most gambling games are under the tight grip of the state, specifically a company named Totalizator Sportowy Sp. Z O.O.
And the sidekick in this story? The Finance Ministry. They’re in charge of the moolah side of things, like setting the tax percentage that goes into the state’s piggy bank and keeping tabs on shady operators.
Online casinos and bookie shops? They’re also on Totalizator Sportowy’s radar. Some gambling games, the ones without a roll of the dice, fly under the radar as they’re dubbed “skill games”.
Choosing the best online casinos in Poland
Let’s spill the beans on what you gotta keep an eye on when picking an online casino. First and foremost? A legit license and real-deal player reviews. Then, scout out the casino’s bonus scene and their go-to payment methods. And don’t sleep on checking their customer service game and how smooth their mobile experience is. Let’s dive deep into these.
Legality and Safety
In our reviews, we’re like detectives, always sniffing around for the license status of the casino. Quick tip: Scroll to the bottom of their site. That’s where the dirt on licenses, their issue date, and expiry usually hides. In Poland, the state watchdog Totalizator Sportowy is the head honcho for casino licensing. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and looking into offshore joints, keep your eyes peeled for big-name international commissions like Curacao or MGA.
User Feedback
Diving into player reviews? That’s Gambling 101. It gives you the lowdown on how a casino treats its crew. You can get this intel from dedicated casino platforms or gaming forums. Some of the big guns for Polish players? Dobramine and the Polish forum at forum.trojmiasto.pl.
Bonuses & Promotions
When scoping out an online casino, you gotta see what sweet deals they’re throwing to newbies and regulars. The cream of the crop in Polish online casinos? Killer welcome packs that spread over a few first deposits and weekly reloads. And let’s not forget the loyalty ladders that rain down rewards as you climb up. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of these bonuses later in the article.
Payment Systems
In Poland, people are big on card deposits and some of the big-name e-wallets. So, we always give the payment methods a once-over to ensure there’s plenty to pick from. ‘Cause let’s face it, you gotta have options to easily fuel your online casino adventures.
Customer Service
Any good casino’s got a 24/7 support line. Most of the time, you can hit them up through an online chat right on their site. Another way to get in touch? Drop them an email anytime. The best online casinos in Poland? They got peeps who can chat you up in both English and Polish. I mean, without that, you’re missing out on some top-tier player communication.
Mobile Adaptation
Top-notch casinos are always on point with their mobile adaptability for various devices and OS. So, if you’re all about playing from your phone, you might wanna check if they’ve got a dope app or at least if their website’s mobile-friendly.
Bonuses and promotions for Poland players
In this section, let’s dive into the main bonuses up for grabs for our Polish pals. There’s a bunch of different bonus types out there:
Welcome Bonus: That’s for all the newbies who’ve just set up their account.
Regular Bonuses: Think reloads or cashbacks once you’ve blown through that welcome deal.
VIP Systems: These are those special reward tracks where you rack up points with every spin.
Races & Tournaments: Special events run by the casino and the game providers.
Now, let’s break down these bonuses a bit more.
Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus might be a deposit boost or a certain number of free spins. It’s up for grabs for any new player right after signing up – often, you don’t even have to punch in any promo codes. The cream of the crop in Polish online casinos? They offer a combo of deposit boosts and free spins, covering several of your first deposits.
Regular Player Bonuses
For those who keep coming back, there are weekly reloads and some exclusive deals. Shoutout to those point systems where you earn points for every spin. More points = higher rank = better loot.
Races and Tournaments
Races and tournaments are these rad promos that casinos and their game providers roll out. They come in various flavors, but they all boil down to one action. It could be the total bets on certain slots or the highest multiplier you snag. Do the deed, score tournament points, and climb that leaderboard.
Sports betting in Poland
Betting on sports? Totally legit in Poland. It’s all overseen by the Ministry of Finance and the state-owned bigwig, Totalizator Sportowy. Under their watch, the biggest Polish bookie joints operate. But there’s also a buzz about offshore companies offering sports betting. Most of them don’t have the local stamp of approval, so sometimes there’s a hitch when you try to deposit, especially with bank cards.
Some of the hotshot foreign bookmakers include Parimatch, 20Bet, Fortuna, STSbet, BetClic, and a whole lot more.
And talking about sports, it’s huge in Poland! Loads of folks are into it. Team sports, individual showdowns, you name it. Here’s a quick rundown of the most bet-on sports:
Soccer: Just like most of Europe, it’s king. Poland’s got a solid soccer scene, and their national team’s got some bragging rights. They clinched gold at the ’72 Olympics and bagged the bronze at the FIFA World Cup in ’74 and ’82.
Volleyball: Super popular team sport in Poland. Historically, the Polish squad’s always been a major player on the global stage. They nabbed the gold at the ’76 Olympics and the FIVB World Championship in 2014, which Poland hosted. They’ve got over 16 gold medals from major tourneys and sit pretty high in the international rankings.
Motorsport: A massive chunk of Poles love their speed. They’ve got their own premier league that’s got a solid fanbase. The national team went on a tear between 2009 and 2011, bagging three championships in a row – that’s pretty epic in the motorsport world.
Basketball: Became a big deal in the 60s. That era was the golden age of basketball in Poland. The Polish team was among the world’s elite, with a bunch of accolades from European and World Championships. Come the 2000s, basketball had a renaissance, with many pros making the leap to the NBA.
Ice Hockey: Pretty big in Poland. They’re in the International Ice Hockey Federation and have a solid spot in the top 20 teams worldwide. The Polish Hockey League (Polska Hokej Liga) is well-known across Europe and has produced big names like Mariusz Czerkawski of the New York Islanders, Peter Sidorkiewicz of the Hartford Whalers, and a bunch more.
Convenient payment systems
In Poland, when it comes to laying down some cash, folks mostly go with bank cards and transfers. Thanks to their kick-ass banking system and zero hiccups when topping up at the legit TotalCasino, it’s a breeze. Loads of Polish gamblers, though, fancy offshore casinos that take their cards too. But apart from the straight-up bank methods, e-wallets and specific e-commerce services are all the rage. Let’s dive deep into these.
Credit Cards
No big secret here, right? Slapping down a card is the go-to move for topping up online casino accounts and betting shops across Europe. Pretty much every big-time online casino welcomes Polish players with open arms. And why not? It’s quick, easy, and there’s no fuss with extra sign-ups.
Bank transfer
This old-school method is slowly losing its shine due to a few hiccups here and there. Still, plenty of gamers stick to it ’cause it’s rock solid and doesn’t skim too much off the top. On the downside, it can drag its feet – taking days to clear. Meanwhile, there’s this local startup, BLIK, making waves. It’s an app that links straight to your bank account, making the whole shebang way smoother.
E-Wallets
A lot of gamblers like to set aside some moolah just for play. E-wallets are perfect for that – signing up is a piece of cake. Once you’re in, top up your account any way you fancy, then use that cash to splash out at online casinos. The big hitters in the e-wallet game are Skrill, Neteller, PayU, DotPay, and a bunch more.
Cryptocurrencies
With crypto becoming the new kid on the block, more online casinos are jumping on the bandwagon. It’s a win-win. Transactions happen lightning-fast, and costs are almost zilch.
NOTIFY Cryptos are all good in Poland. The Finance Ministry, together with the Central Bank, has been loud and clear: they’re not gonna rain on the crypto parade. There’s no specific law for it, so it’s neither e-money nor official dough. This means buying or selling cryptos is totally above board.
Poles can snag some crypto for a quick buck or as a long play, and they’re free to use it online however they want. For instance, to top up online casinos or place a bet.
Popular gambling providers in Poland
Polish gamblers are super picky when it comes to choosing their game providers. As a result, only those developers who bring their A-game with top-notch products, packed with both a diverse range of games and rich themes, hit the jackpot in popularity. Let’s dive into the top 5 big shots in Poland:
Pragmatic Play
This global heavy hitter in the high-quality gaming arena is making waves. Even though they’re kinda the new kid on the block, they’ve already dropped a bunch of killer games full of creativity and cool game mechanics. No wonder they’ve become a fan-fave among Polish players.
Play’N’Go
An old hand from Sweden, this developer’s been around the block. Over their storied history, they’ve churned out over 300 games, with a good chunk being video slots. They’re big on thematic diversity and have a ton of branded slots paying homage to various celebs. This approach has won hearts worldwide, and the Poles are no exception.
Spinomenal
Here’s a fresh face that’s all about churning out a ton of exciting games. They’ve got everything from their signature lines with iconic characters to brand-new bangers. A slick and intuitive interface, combined with fun mechanics, has landed them on Poland’s most-wanted list.
BetSoft
This unique player in the game is all about top-tier graphics. Their standout feature? The special “progressive” mechanics that infuse their slots. The idea is to keep things popping in the slot so that after a certain number of spins, different mechanics kick in, spicing up the game and potentially landing you some big bucks.
BGaming
One of the OGs to support cryptocurrencies in their slots. With nearly a decade in the biz, they’ve crafted about 100 products, truly living by the mantra “quality over quantity.”
Land-based casinos in Poland
Land-based casinos in Poland have been around for ages. But they only got the official nod in 1918 and managed to hang around until World War II kicked off. Post the “Soviet takeover,” these joints were a no-go until the early ’90s. Up next, we’re gonna dish on some of the biggest casino hotspots:
Warsaw’s big shot casino, tucked inside the Marriott Hotel. One of the three joints you can hit up in the Polish capital. With around 70 slot machines and over 30 tables to try your hand at various card and table games, it’s a gambler’s paradise. Got a few high rollers? No worries, they’ve got a VIP section stacked with high-stake machines and gaming tables. The building’s not just about gambling; there’s a swanky hotel, a handful of restaurants, a gym, spa, and a bunch of other cool spots. Plus, it’s smack dab in the middle of Warsaw, letting tourists soak in the views and get a taste of Polish vibes.
Grand Hotel Sopot And Cristal Casino
A slightly smaller spot in Sopot, but this place has history in spades. Officially opened in 1920, it’s like stepping back in time. The game selection is on the modest side, boasting about 25 slot machines and around 10 tables for roulette and card games. Nestled inside a 5-star hotel in a scenic spot, it’s a must-visit for tourists and those wanting to feel that early 20th-century atmosphere.
Lotteries and other gambling entertainment in Poland
Like most other fun and games, lotteries are all legit in Poland. They’ve been running since 1955 under the wing of the state-run company Totalizator Sportowy. Poland’s got a plethora of lotteries with different rules and jackpot sizes. Let’s dive into some of the big hitters:
Lotto
The granddaddy of Polish lotteries. To play, you pick 6 numbers from 1 to 49. The starting jackpot isn’t mega, but if it ain’t won, it rolls over, sometimes reaching some pretty wild figures. There’s also the System Entry feature, letting you add up to 12 numbers in one ticket. On top of the main draw, there’s Lotto Plus. For an extra zloty, players can shoot for a 2 million zloty prize. A basic ticket will set you back 3 zlotys. Draws are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, broadcasted on national TV and online. Always kicks off at 9:40 PM local time.
The most whopping jackpots? That’d be the draw from May 7, 2016 (57.8 million zlotys), September 27, 2011 (56.2 million zlotys), and November 6, 2012 (51.3 million zlotys). The lottery has 4 prize tiers. We’ve whipped up a little table (not provided here, sorry) showing the prize types, matches needed, and the odds of winning.
Prize category
Number of matches
Chance of fallout
1
6
1 to 13 983 816
2
5
1 to 54 201
3
4
1 to 1032
4
3
1 to 47
Mini Lotto
Another hot lottery pick with its own unique spin. Here’s the deal: if the jackpot isn’t hit, it doesn’t roll over to the next draw. Instead, the loot gets spread out among the next tier winners. And if no one nails that category either? The cash goes to tickets that have at least 3 numbers matching.
To get in on the action, grab a ticket for a mere 1.25 PLN. Then, pick your lucky 5 numbers from a pool of 1-42. Like the previous lotto, you can beef up your ticket with up to 12 extra numbers – but that’s gonna cost you. Don’t hold your breath for life-changing bucks, ’cause your odds here are way better than the big league. The most massive jackpots on record are from December 31, 2015 (366,518 zlotys), March 30, 2013 (348,586 zlotys), and February 17, 2018 (343,170 zlotys). Draws are every evening at 9:40 local time, and there are 3 prize tiers to shoot for.
Prize category
Number of matches
Chance of fallout
1
5
1 to 850 668
2
4
1 to 4598
3
3
1 to 128
Poker’s big in Poland, and playing it offline? Totally above board. Whether you fancy the glitz of casinos or the hush of specialized poker joints, both cash games and tournaments are on the table.
Online poker? That’s a bit of a sticky wicket. Technically, it’s in the gray zone in Poland. But that doesn’t stop the Polish crowd from diving into offshore poker rooms. Polish authorities play a never-ending game of whack-a-mole trying to block these sites, but they keep popping up. Some big players accepting Polish punters include GGPokerok, PokerStars, PPPoker, PokerKing, and a few others.
Reliability and safety of online casinos in Poland
Poland’s got its own official watchdog, Totalizator Sportowy, keeping tabs on nearly all forms of gambling. They run the show for the state’s online casino, TotalCasino, and in cahoots with the Finance Ministry, they make sure everyone’s playing by the rules and that punters’ rights are respected. So, if you’re rolling the dice at a casino licensed by them, you can bet it’s on the up-and-up. Any shady operations can expect some serious heat.
If you’re more into offshore online casinos, do your homework on their licenses. Got beef with one of ’em? Drop their regulatory body an email.
Conclusion
Wrapping it up, Poland’s pretty ahead of the curve when it comes to legalizing gambling. They’ve got a solid lineup of brick-and-mortar and online casinos, bookies, and lotteries. The only oddball bit? Online poker’s in no man’s land while offline poker’s completely legit. Plus, with top-notch banking tech and e-commerce, players have a buffet of deposit options for online casinos, making getting into the game a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is playing online casino games legal in Poland?
The game is completely legal. You can play both in Polish casinos that have a local license and in offshore establishments that operate under international licenses.
Is sports betting legal in Poland?
Betting on sports is completely legal in Poland, so you can bet on any sporting event without fear.
Are there any land-based casinos in Poland?
There are over 20 different casinos in Poland. Most of them are quite modest establishments, but there are also large casinos.
Is online poker legal in Poland?
Unfortunately online poker, unlike its offline version, is illegal in Poland. But playing it is not prohibited, and the largest poker rooms actively accept Polish players.
Is cryptocurrency legal in Poland?
There is no separate legislation regulating the cryptocurrency market. However, the government regularly says that it has no plans to ban cryptocurrency. As a consequence, you are free to buy or sell this asset, as well as use it to deposit in online casinos.
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23.01.2022 | Date updated: 17 July 2024
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