Poll: Is Poland a viable market for international operators?

Poland is currently facing an exodus of unlicensed operators from the country’s online gambling market ahead of the implementation of its new regulatory framework on 1 April.

Last week, EGR Intel reported that sports betting heavyweights William Hill and bet365 were both scheduled to leave the market prior the start of the new regime, following on from the likes of Pinnacle and EnergyBet.

And EGR Intel understands Betfair has also joined the growing list – a move sure to be welcomed by licensed firms, such as STS and Fortuna, which are estimated to only hold approximately 10% of the market.

The new regulation will, for the first time, open the market up to foreign operators – making the regime compliant with EU law and unlicensed activity a therefore riskier business.

However, to the frustration of operators, the framework kept its 12% tax on sports betting turnover in place and strengthened prohibitions on marketing, including a TV advertising ban before 10pm.

The framework also established a new monopoly for online casino, cutting off an important cross-sell and additional revenue-generating opportunity for operators.

This has left firms with a difficult choice: legitimise the tax by applying for a licence or sit on the sidelines in the hope a less restrictive framework comes into force in the future.

With this in mind, this week’s poll asks whether Poland is an attractive market for foreign operators or will the new framework make the market commercially unviable? Have your say below or on Twitter.