Poland online betting license
An EU market where private operators can be licensed for online betting, while online casino and poker remain a state monopoly. Entry takes six months or more and planning around Polish capital, corporate and tax rules.
- Best for
- Regulated EU sports betting
- Who can be licensed
- B2C operators (sports betting only)
- Markets it serves
- EU regulated markets
Poland licenses private operators for online sports betting only: online casino, slots and poker are a state monopoly run by Totalizator Sportowy. Betting permits are granted by the Minister of Finance under the Gambling Act of 2009 for six years, to a Polish company or an EU/EEA company of a similar form with a Polish representative or branch, with at least PLN 2,000,000 share capital. Plan for 6–12 months. Online betting is taxed at 12% of turnover, and unlicensed domains are blocked.
- Status
- Licensing open
- Regulator
- Minister of Finance
- Legal basis
- Gambling Act of 19 November 2009, as amended in 2017
- Status checked
- October 16, 2026
What a private operator can be licensed for
Poland splits the online market: betting is open to licensed private operators, while online casino games and poker are reserved to the state operator.
Online betting
A permit to organize mutual betting over the internet: sports betting for players in Poland. Granted by the Minister of Finance for six years.
Online casino and poker
Online casino games, slots and poker are a state monopoly operated by Totalizator Sportowy. Private licenses are not available.
Land-based
Casinos run under concessions and betting shops under permits, with their own capital and location rules. Most of our clients enter online only.
Who can apply
| Polish company | EU/EEA company | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal form | Limited liability company (sp. z o.o.) or joint-stock company (S.A.) with its seat in Poland | Company of a similar form with its seat in another EU or EEA state |
| Local presence | Registered office and management in Poland | A representative or branch in Poland that handles the regulator and tax authorities |
| Share capital | At least PLN 2,000,000 for mutual betting | At least PLN 2,000,000, converted at the National Bank of Poland rate |
| Shareholders | EU/EEA/EFTA entities and citizens; transparent ownership and documented lawful funds | Transparent ownership and documented lawful funds |
| Management | Board and supervisory board members from Poland, the EU/EEA/EFTA or the OECD, with no record of fiscal or economic offenses | No record of fiscal or economic offenses |
What the Ministry of Finance expects
The application is assessed on the company, its people, its money and its betting system. Missing or inconsistent documents are the usual cause of delay.
Corporate
Articles, registry extract and group structure down to the beneficial owners, with certified Polish translations.
People
Criminal record certificates and declarations for shareholders and management; no fiscal, economic or illegal-gambling offenses.
Capital and funds
Paid-up share capital of at least PLN 2,000,000 and evidence of the lawful origin of the funds.
Betting system
Technical documentation and testing of the betting system, and rules of the betting game approved by the Minister of Finance.
Sports data
Agreements with the national sports organizations whose competition results you offer bets on.
Policies
AML/CFT procedures as an obliged entity, responsible gambling tools, player verification and data protection.
How the application runs
The Gambling Act gives the Ministry up to six months to decide; in practice, plan for 6–12 months from instruction.
- 1StructurePolish sp. z o.o. or S.A. with paid-up capital, or your EU/EEA company with a Polish representative or branch.
- 2DocumentsCorporate, fit-and-proper, capital and source-of-funds documents, translated and certified.
- 3Betting systemTechnical documentation and testing of the platform; draft rules of the betting game; sports-data agreements.
- 4Ministry reviewReview by the Minister of Finance with requests for further information; statutory deadline of six months.
- 5Permit and go-liveSix-year permit, approved rules of the game, then payments, player verification and tax registration go live.
Ongoing obligations
- Monthly betting tax returns and payments to the tax office
- Player registration and identity verification before play
- AML/CFT duties as an obliged entity, with enhanced checks on bets or winnings above EUR 2,000
- Reporting changes in shareholders, management or the representative to the Minister of Finance
- Operating only under the approved rules of the betting game; amendments approved before use
- Responsible gambling tools and the advertising rules of the Gambling Act
How betting is taxed and paid
Betting tax
Mutual betting is taxed at 12% of turnover (the total stakes), not of gross gaming revenue. Most operators reflect it in their odds or deduct it from stakes.
Corporate income tax
Standard Polish corporate income tax applies to the operator’s profit, on top of the betting tax.
Tax on players’ winnings
The operator withholds income tax on winnings at source. A draft announced for 2026 raises the rate from 10% to 15%; we confirm the rate in force.
Payments
Player payments must go through authorized payment institutions. Payment providers may not serve domains on the register of illegal gambling sites.
Advertising rules and enforcement
Advertising
Licensed betting may be advertised and may sponsor sport. Advertising may not target or involve minors, or suggest success, relaxation or attractiveness.
Register of illegal domains
The Ministry of Finance lists unlicensed gambling domains. Internet providers block them and payment providers may not serve them.
Penalties
Offering gambling to Polish players without a permit is a fiscal offense, with fines for operators and for players.
Market outlook
A dedicated gambling department was set up in the Ministry of Finance in 2024, and opening online casino and moving to a GGR-based tax have been discussed. Neither has been legislated.
Weighing Poland against other EU markets? Our European gambling license comparison covers all 27 member states: which products each licenses, the regulators, B2B rules and Finland's 2027 opening.
Compare EU marketsFrequently asked questions
Can a casino operator get a Polish license?
Not for online casino. Online casino games, slots and poker are reserved to the state operator, Totalizator Sportowy. Private permits cover online betting; land-based casinos run under separate concessions.
Can a foreign company apply?
A company from another EU or EEA state can apply if it has a form similar to a Polish limited liability or joint-stock company and appoints a representative or branch in Poland. Groups from outside the EU/EEA use a Polish company.
How much share capital is required?
At least PLN 2,000,000 for mutual betting, paid up before the application. For a foreign company the amount is converted at the National Bank of Poland rate.
How long does Poland take?
The Gambling Act sets a six-month deadline for the decision. With company setup, documents and system testing, plan for 6–12 months from instruction.
How long is the permit valid?
Six years. A new permit must be obtained before the term ends to keep operating.
How is online betting taxed?
At 12% of turnover (total stakes), plus corporate income tax on profit. The operator also withholds tax on players’ winnings.
What happens to unlicensed operators?
Their domains are entered in the Ministry of Finance register, blocked by internet providers and cut off from payment providers. Organizing gambling without a permit is a fiscal offense.
Do I need agreements with sports federations?
Yes. Betting operators need agreements with the national sports organizations whose competition results they use.
Can B2B suppliers get a Polish license?
Poland does not issue a separate B2B license for game or platform suppliers. Their software is covered by the operator’s permit and approved rules of the game; we check how your specific activity is treated before you sign.
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