Polish bookmakers back amended Gambling Act
Local trade group supports 12% turnover tax regime that RGA has labelled “unworkable”
The Polish Association of Bookmakers (SPiPFB) has publically backed the country’s newly approved Gambling Act, claiming the bill will lead to “fairer competition” in the market.
The bill, passed by the country’s lower house last week, kept in place the 12% tax on sports betting turnover and the introduced IP and payments blocking to clamp down on unlicensed operators.
The Polish association, which represent local bookmakers and its employees, said the act could prove “an efficient tool in reducing the many issues that plague the Polish betting industry” including a black market that accounts for 90% of the country’s betting turnover.
A statement from the SPiPFB added: “The changes may also bring improved social protection against illegal gambling. For this to be effective, however, competent authorities must vigorously enforce the act. Demonstrating resolve in the proper enforcement of the new law is particularly important.”
The association represents four of the largest incumbent bookmakers in Poland, including Fortuna, Totolotek, STS and Milenium.
Better Collective’s senior business manager, Michal Kopec, recently argued that these firms would benefit most from a heavily regulated, insular market, while as-yet unlicensed firms would be unable to build a market share.
Indeed the Remote Gambling Association was a vocal critic of the Gambling Act arguing the 12% turnover tax was “unworkable”.
More than 85% of voters on a recent EGR Intel poll agreed.