Why Is the Tax Being Elevated?
The Ministry of Finance says the change is lengthy overdue. The ten% price was launched in 2001 and officers argue it now not displays the scale of Poland’s trendy playing market. The brand new tax is positioned as a strategy to align coverage with immediately’s economic system.
It’s additionally being pitched as a accountable playing measure. The thought is that lowering payouts might discourage extreme play. However critics see the reasoning in a different way. They level out that the reform is being rolled out alongside different fiscal modifications anticipated to lift 19 billion złoty for the 2026 price range.
Some lawmakers and business observers have referred to as it a money seize disguised as coverage. If the goal had been really hurt discount, they argue, mountaineering tax on licensed play might drive customers towards riskier, unregulated alternate options.
Present Tax State of affairs in Poland
Presently, gamers pay a ten% tax on playing winnings over 2280 zł. Playing websites withhold the tax at payout and move it to the federal government. Winnings under that threshold are tax-free.
On the operator aspect, Poland applies a few of the highest taxes in Europe. Sportsbooks pay 12% on turnover, not revenue. Land-based casinos face a 50% tax on internet income.
Till now, Polish residents haven’t been taxed on playing winnings from EU or EEA-based on-line casinos. That exemption shall be eliminated underneath the brand new guidelines. If handed, the 15% price will apply to all winnings, irrespective of the place they arrive from.
How Poland Compares to Different International locations
Poland’s plan to tax each gamers and types shouldn’t be widespread. Most nations select to tax both one or the opposite to maintain authorized playing aggressive. Right here’s how another markets deal with taxation:
- United Kingdom: Gamers pay no tax. Playing companies are taxed at 21% of gross gaming income.
- Sweden: Gamers should not taxed. On line casino websites pay 18% of gross gaming income.
- United States: Gamers pay earnings tax. Casinos withhold 24% on winnings over $5,000.
- Romania: Each are taxed. Participant winnings are taxed in tiers as much as 40%.
Most of Europe avoids taxing gamers immediately. Poland’s strategy locations it amongst a small group of nations, like Romania and the US, that apply taxes to either side of the transaction.
Why Larger Playing Taxes Danger Fuelling the Black Market
Elevating tax on winnings makes authorized playing much less interesting. Offshore casinos, which don’t apply withholding taxes, can supply increased payouts and higher odds. That makes them enticing to gamers trying to keep away from the 15% lower.
Specialists warn this might backfire. Licensed casinos are required to supply safe funds, accountable playing instruments and verified equity. Unlicensed websites supply none of that. Gamers might face decrease safety, fewer safeguards and no help if issues come up.
There’s additionally precedent for this. The UK eliminated its betting tax in 2001 for precisely this purpose. The 9% tax was pushing gamers offshore. Eradicating it helped preserve play inside the regulated market.
With out changes or enforcement, Poland’s 15% price might ship extra gamers underground, defeating the goal of safer, tax-paying play.
Conclusion and The place to Play Safely
Poland’s 15% playing winnings tax will take impact in 2026 if authorised. It comes with dangers. Gamers might flip to offshore websites, regulated casinos might battle to compete, and shopper protections might endure.
Nonetheless, the easiest way to remain protected is to make use of licensed websites. They deduct tax at supply and comply with strict security guidelines. If you wish to see trusted choices, go to our web page on one of the best on-line casinos in Poland.
Keep knowledgeable, play safely, and preserve your playing inside authorized and safe on line casino websites.
