In 2025, Poland once again confirmed its commitment to the current online casino regulatory model based on a state monopoly. Despite numerous discussions about market liberalisation and the successful experience of several European countries, the authorities decided not to change the fundamental principles of regulation.
The main argument of supporters of the existing system is maintaining maximum control over the most sensitive segment of the gambling industry. According to regulators, this model allows for more effective monitoring of financial flows, advertising oversight, combating illegal operators, and ensuring compliance with responsible gambling requirements.
According to https://rollingslotspolska.com/, Poland remains one of the few major European Union countries where the state model continues to play a key role in regulating online casinos. While many countries have opened their markets to dozens of licensed operators, Polish authorities believe that premature liberalisation could increase risks for players and make industry oversight more difficult.
At the centre of the debate are issues related to gambling monopoly and the future development of gambling regulation. Supporters of reform argue for expanding competition, while defenders of the current system point to stable tax revenues and a high level of government control.
In practice, the 2025 decision demonstrates that Poland is not yet prepared to abandon the state monopoly model, preferring gradual modernisation of the existing structure rather than radical reforms.
Table: Reasons for Preserving the Current Model
| Argument | Importance for the State |
| Market control | Very high |
| Control of financial flows | Very high |
| Combating the illegal sector | High |
| Player protection | High |
| Tax revenue | Very high |
| AML control | Very high |
| Advertising control | High |
| Government influence over the industry | Maximum |
How the Polish Model Works and How It Differs from Most EU Countries
Poland’s online casino regulatory system differs significantly from the models used in most European countries. While Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom issue licences to private operators, Poland maintains a centralised approach with a dominant state-controlled market participant.
In practice, this means that the online casino Poland segment develops under conditions of limited competition. The government controls licensing, supervision, taxation, and a significant share of the market.
According to industry analysts, the Polish gambling market already exceeds several billion zlotys annually. At the same time, the share of the illegal segment is estimated at 40–50%, making it one of the biggest challenges facing the current model.
This is why discussions surrounding future gambling legislation remain highly active. Some experts believe that opening the market to licensed private companies would help bring a portion of players back into the regulated sector.
For players, the differences are visible through product variety, competition between brands, and the number of bonus offers available. This is why promotions such as Rolling Slots bonus are frequently mentioned when discussing the advantages of more competitive markets.
Table: Comparison of Poland and Most EU Markets
| Parameter | Poland | Most EU Countries |
| Online casinos | State model | Private licensing |
| Number of operators | Limited | Dozens to hundreds |
| Competition | Low | High |
| Government control | Very high | High |
| Number of bonus programmes | Limited | Extensive |
| Speed of new product launches | Moderate | High |
| Grey market share | 40–50% | Usually lower |
What Advantages Does the State Monopoly Provide?
Supporters of the Polish model argue that a state monopoly allows several important objectives to be achieved simultaneously. The primary advantage remains the high level of control over the industry.
Player protection is particularly important. The government can introduce restrictions more quickly, set limits, and monitor compliance with responsible gambling regulations.
Tax revenue also plays a major role. Thanks to the centralised system, the state receives a stable source of gambling tax revenue and can more accurately forecast budget income. According to various studies, the regulated sector contributes hundreds of millions of zlotys to the national budget each year.
Supporters of the system also point to the high level of oversight of casino revenue. The state operator is required to follow uniform reporting standards, making supervision easier for regulatory authorities.
Another advantage is the development of responsible gaming initiatives. Government institutions are interested not only in industry revenues but also in reducing social risks.
Table: Benefits of the Monopoly System
| Advantage | Impact on Players | Impact on the Budget | Impact on Control |
| Full market control | Medium | High | Very high |
| Stable tax revenue | Indirect | Very high | High |
| AML control | High | Medium | Very high |
| Combating the illegal sector | High | High | High |
| Player protection | Very high | Medium | High |
| Responsible gambling | Very high | Low | High |
| Transparent reporting | Medium | High | Very high |
What Drawbacks Do Players and Experts See?
Despite the advantages of the monopoly model, it also has significant disadvantages. The main criticism concerns limited competition. While some European countries host dozens of licensed operators, Polish players face a more restricted choice.
For users, this means fewer bonuses, a narrower range of games, and slower adoption of new technologies. This is one of the reasons why part of the audience continues to use illegal gambling services.
Another issue is the popularity of offshore casinos. International platforms often offer thousands of slot games and a broader selection of payment methods.
From a market competition perspective, a monopoly reduces incentives for innovation. In competitive markets, operators must continuously improve their services, whereas limited competition generally slows market development.
For player experience, this means fewer options compared to countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, or Germany.
Table: Key Drawbacks
| Drawback | Possible Consequences |
| Limited competition | Slower market development |
| Limited operator choice | Fewer options for players |
| Slower technological innovation | Falling behind market leaders |
| Limited number of bonuses | Reduced attractiveness of the legal sector |
| High grey market share | Players moving to offshore brands |
| Weaker product offering | Poorer user experience |
Who Benefits from Maintaining the Monopoly?
The main beneficiary remains the state. By maintaining the current model, Poland secures a stable source of tax revenue and retains control over the industry’s largest financial flows.
From a budgetary perspective, the key advantage is predictable tax revenue. This is particularly important for long-term financial planning.
The state gambling operator also benefits. The absence of direct competition from a large number of licensed companies allows it to maintain a substantial market share.
For Poland, this means preserving the current structure of the gambling market and maintaining a simpler regulatory mechanism.
Table: Main Beneficiaries
| Market Participant | Benefit |
| State | Stable tax revenue |
| State operator | Dominant market position |
| Regulators | Simplified oversight |
| National budget | Predictable income |
| Social programmes | Additional funding |
| Players in the legal sector | Higher level of supervision |
A Similar Situation Has Existed Before: Comparison with France, Germany, Italy, and the UK
The Polish regulatory model differs considerably from most European markets.
Germany uses a licensing system and grants permits to private operators. Italy is considered one of Europe’s largest regulated markets, where dozens of licensed companies operate. The United Kingdom is traditionally viewed as one of the most open markets with a high level of competition.
Supporters of market liberalisation argue that opening the market could reduce the share of the illegal sector. However, European experience shows that even a fully licensed market does not guarantee the disappearance of the grey market.
Table: European Market Comparison
| Country | Market Model | Number of Operators | Grey Market Share | Competition Level |
| Poland | State monopoly | Limited number | 40–50% | Low |
| France | Mixed model | Dozens | Medium | Medium |
| Germany | Licensing model | Dozens | Medium | High |
| Italy | Licensing model | More than 80 | Low to medium | High |
| United Kingdom | Open market | More than 100 | Low | Very high |
Could Poland Abandon the Monopoly by 2030?
At present, Poland shows no signs of preparing for full liberalisation of the online casino market. However, pressure from businesses, players, and broader European trends continues to grow.
The key factor behind future changes will be potential gambling reforms. If the illegal sector remains at 40–50%, arguments in favour of opening the market may become significantly stronger.
The position of the regulatory authority will also play an important role. Regulators are closely examining the experiences of other European countries and the outcomes of different licensing models.
For the legal gambling market, the central question remains its ability to compete with international brands. Even today, many users read a Rolling Slots review before registering, comparing offers from different operators.
Rolling Slots testimonials and other user reviews also have a growing influence. More than 60% of players in mature markets read reviews before making their first deposit.
By 2030, Poland will most likely maintain a high level of government control. However, the likelihood of partial licensing expansion appears much greater than a complete abandonment of the current model.
The most realistic scenario is a hybrid approach in which the state retains control over key market segments while simultaneously expanding opportunities for licensed private operators.
Companies that adapt early to any regulatory scenario will gain the greatest advantages. These include brands such as Rolling Slots, which closely monitor developments across the European gambling market.
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