Poland Planning Online Poker Ban

Poland has drafted legislation which will regulate online gaming in the country but ban online poker.

The European Gaming and Betting Association said that a number of key provisions in the draft proposals, including the “unjustified” ban on online poker are “highly doubtful under EU law” and has urged Polish lawmakers to revise the treaty.

Sigrid Ligné, Secretary General of EGBA said, “We support the Polish government’s intention to join the growing number of countries regulating the online gaming and betting market in the EU. However, the current draft foresees a wide range of obstacles and obligations which will make it highly difficult for EU licensed and regulated operators to apply for a license in Poland. We urge Poland to revise its draft and align it with the requirements of the EU Treaty.

“Some of these provisions seem to stem from a legitimate wish to regulate and enforce the rules for the online gaming market but they duplicate requirements already fulfilled in other jurisdictions. EU licensed and regulated companies can fulfill all necessary requirements on fraud prevention and consumer protection without being necessarily established in Poland. This draft law would leave Polish consumers without a fair, secure and competitive online gaming market”

Member states including the UK and Malta have also expressed concerns about the legislation which was subject to a detailed opinion from the European Commission last week. Poland must now respond to the Commission and the legislation is subject to a “standstill” period until August 16.

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