Online bingo in Poland operates under a state monopoly framework established by the Gambling Act of November 19, 2009 (1). Except for sports betting and promotional lotteries, online gambling including bingo is reserved as a state monopoly (1). The Finance Minister serves as the primary regulator overseeing Poland's gambling industry, issuing licenses and ensuring compliance with legal requirements (1). Land-based cash bingo halls require permits from the Ministry of Finance and can only be operated by joint-stock companies or limited liability companies registered in Poland with minimum capital of PLN 2,000,000 (2).
Companies seeking permits for cash bingo halls must undergo extensive scrutiny during a six-month application process administered by the Ministry of Finance (2). Every entity pursuing activities in games of chance, betting, card games and gaming machines is classified as an obligated institution under anti-money laundering legislation that entered force on July 13, 2018 (2). Entities arranging gambling games must identify and assess money laundering and terrorism financing risks, apply customer due diligence measures when stakes or prizes exceed EUR 2,000, develop internal procedures, and provide mandatory training for employees (2). The ministry maintains comprehensive oversight including enforcement against illegal operators through website blocking and criminal penalties (1).
"An entity arranging gambling games is obliged to identify and assess the risk of money laundering and financing of terrorism referring to its activity, taking into account, in particular, factors related to customers, states or geographical area, and products."
Poland imposes strict limitations on the number of bingo facilities, allowing only one bingo hall per 250,000 city inhabitants (1). Licensed bingo operators face a 25% gambling tax on cash bingo games and must fulfill numerous regulatory requirements including keeping daily records of income and prizes awarded (1). Administrative penalties for violating obligations include financial fines up to EUR 1,000,000, license revocation, publication of violations, and prohibition from holding managerial positions (2). The regulatory framework emphasizes player protection, responsible gambling practices, and preventing illegal gambling operations while maintaining state control over the online bingo sector (2).
Source:
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-cee/poland
https://www.gov.pl/web/finance/communication-no-19-on-implementation-of-the-project-harmonising-the-rules-of-the-functioning-of-entities-in-the-scope-of-games-of-chance-betting-card-games-and-games-on-gaming-machines-in-terms-of-counteracting-money-laundering-and-financing-of-terrorism/
Last updated: 28-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
