| Updated: September 26, 2025Located in Central Europe, Poland attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The Polish economy is strong, and people enjoy a relatively high standard of living. Poland has been a member of the European Union since May 2004. However, its gambling regulations have long violated the EU’s free-trade laws.
As a result, the EU pressured Poland to amend its gambling laws. In 2011, the country decriminalized online sports betting; however, other forms of online gambling remained illegal. Although both domestic and foreign betting companies can obtain licenses, the latter must comply with much stricter requirements. Poland is among the few countries that prosecute casino enthusiasts and bettors who dare to use the services provided by unlicensed operators.
Best Sports Betting Sites in Poland
Football is the most popular sport in Poland. Many Polish sports fans not only watch football but also bet on it. To make things easier for you, our dedicated team at Bonusinsider has compiled a list of the best betting sites that accept wagers from Polish residents.
Best Sports Betting Bonuses in Poland
Polish sports fans can choose from a wide range of betting sites that offer competitive odds, numerous betting markets, and generous promotions. For many, these promotions are the main reason to choose a particular sportsbook. However, punters should remember that every sports betting bonus comes with specific terms and conditions.
Match Deposit Bonus Free Bet Enhanced OddsMatch Deposit Bonus
Online sportsbooks often welcome new registrants with generous bonuses right from the start. One of the most common promotions for newcomers is the match deposit bonus, which can significantly boost your bankroll. The maximum amount you can receive from a match deposit bonus is usually capped. Punters must deposit funds to claim this offer, and only after meeting the rollover requirements can they withdraw any profits.
Free Bet
Another popular sports betting promotion is the free bet bonus, which Polish punters can use to place a wager on a sporting event. If the bet settles as a loss, your real-money balance will not change. If the bet wins, you will collect the profit. It is important to note that free bets and risk-free bets are distinct promotions. Risk-free bets allow punters to get their stake back if the wager loses, with the refund usually paid in free credits.
Enhanced Odds
Many online sportsbooks that target Polish punters deliberately increase the odds on specific markets to attract more action. If you place a wager on a market with boosted odds, you will receive higher returns without adding any extra risk.
Betting Regulation in Poland
Poland’s gambling history is full of twists and turns. In 1920, the first land-based casino opened its doors in the seaside resort city of Sopot. It attracted considerable attention from both locals and tourists. Several other gambling venues were established in the early 1930s.
During World War II, many casinos were destroyed. Interestingly, the casino in Sopot was converted into a field hospital during the war. After the conflict ended, Poland became a satellite nation of the Soviet Union. As you may know, gambling was strictly forbidden in the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, the Polish shipping company Polferries found a way to bend the rules and began offering various casino games on its ferries.
In 1992, the Polish government recognized the need to amend its gambling laws and started drafting new regulations. Under the updated rules, casinos had to obtain a license to operate, and only one casino could be established in cities with fewer than 250,000 residents.
The Act on Gambling Games Foreign Operators Must Meet Tight Licensing RestrictionsThe Act on Gambling Games
In 2009, Polish sports minister Mirosław Drzewiecki resigned amid allegations that he had lobbied for the gambling industry. As a result, the Act on Gambling Games (Ustawa o grach hazardowych) was enacted, banning all forms of games of chance.
In 2011, an amendment to the Act on Gambling Games legalized online sports betting and raffles. Lawmakers felt comfortable regulating online sports betting because the outcome could not be manipulated; it depends on the performance of the teams or athletes. However, strict restrictions were imposed on operators, and only Polish companies were eligible for a license.
The European Union criticized Poland for these restrictive measures. In 2016, the Polish Senate passed further amendments to the Act on Gambling Games, liberalizing the sports betting industry. Under the new rules, only operators that secure a license from the Ministry of Finance may accept Polish bettors.
Polish gambling law obliges ISPs to block access to blacklisted websites and redirect users to a government page outlining the penalties for using unlicensed sportsbooks. Payment service providers are also prohibited from processing financial transactions to and from blacklisted sites. ISPs and payment processors that ignore the rules face a fine of up to PLN250,000.
At the time of writing, the state-owned company Totalizator Sportowy holds a monopoly over all forms of gambling except online sports betting and raffles. In 2021, Polish authorities announced that operators who breach the Gambling Act and illegally accept Polish bettors may be fined up to PLN4.4 million. Additionally, Polish sports fans can be prosecuted for using illegal betting sites.
Poland has also introduced rules for gambling advertising. Sports betting commercials on radio and TV are prohibited between 6 am and 10 pm. Advertisements must not target minors and must include information about gambling-related risks. Nevertheless, Poland allows betting operators to sponsor sports clubs and events.
Foreign Operators Must Meet Tight Licensing Restrictions
Obtaining a Polish license is almost impossible for foreign operators. International betting companies must satisfy numerous licensing requirements and pay hefty fees. In addition, licensed sportsbooks must pay a 12% tax on their gross gaming revenue. Bookmakers that accept bets on animal sporting competitions under a special license are subject to a 2.5% turnover tax. Furthermore, Polish punters are required to pay a 10% tax on winnings exceeding PLN2,280.
Consequently, many reputable casino operators have chosen not to enter the Polish market, so only a handful of betting sites are authorized to serve Polish players. Despite Poland’s efforts to block unlicensed sites, thousands of Poles still wager with foreign sportsbooks.