Poland to Raise Online Casino Winnings Tax to 15% from 2026
Poland will increase the tax on gambling winnings from 10% to 15% starting 1 January 2026. The new rate will apply to lottery prizes, sports betting payouts, slot jackpots and other gambling-related wins, including those from international online casinos. The 15% will be deducted at source by licensed gambling businesses. The move is part of a wider tax reform designed to raise state revenue. Critics say it could backfire by pushing more players toward unlicensed sites that don't deduct tax.
Produced by:
Editorial Team
Published: 31 October 2025
Why Is the Tax Being Increased?
The Ministry of Finance says the change is long overdue. The 10% rate was introduced in 2001 and officials argue it no longer reflects the size of Poland’s modern gambling market. The new tax is positioned as a way to align policy with today’s economy.
It’s also being pitched as a responsible gambling measure. The idea is that reducing payouts may discourage excessive play. But critics see the reasoning differently. They point out that the reform is being rolled out alongside other fiscal changes expected to raise 19 billion złoty for the 2026 budget.
Some lawmakers and industry observers have called it a cash grab disguised as policy. If the aim were truly harm reduction, they argue, hiking tax on licensed play could drive users toward riskier, unregulated alternatives.
Current Tax Situation in Poland
Currently, players pay a 10% tax on gambling winnings over 2280 zł. Gambling sites withhold the tax at payout and pass it to the government. Winnings below that threshold are tax-free.
On the operator side, Poland applies some of the highest taxes in Europe. Sportsbooks pay 12% on turnover, not profit. Land-based casinos face a 50% tax on net revenue.
Until now, Polish residents have not been taxed on gambling winnings from EU or EEA-based online casinos. That exemption will be removed under the new rules. If passed, the 15% rate will apply to all winnings, no matter where they come from.
How Poland Compares to Other Countries
Poland’s plan to tax both players and brands is not common. Most countries choose to tax either one or the other to keep legal gambling competitive. Here’s how some other markets handle taxation:
- United Kingdom: Players pay no tax. Gambling firms are taxed at 21% of gross gaming revenue.
- Sweden: Players are not taxed. Casino sites pay 18% of gross gaming revenue.
- United States: Players pay income tax. Casinos withhold 24% on winnings over $5,000.
- Romania: Both are taxed. Player winnings are taxed in tiers up to 40%.
Most of Europe avoids taxing players directly. Poland’s approach places it among a small group of countries, like Romania and the US, that apply taxes to both sides of the transaction.
Why Higher Gambling Taxes Risk Fuelling the Black Market
Raising tax on winnings makes legal gambling less appealing. Offshore casinos, which don’t apply withholding taxes, can offer higher payouts and better odds. That makes them attractive to players looking to avoid the 15% cut.
Experts warn this could backfire. Licensed casinos are required to offer secure payments, responsible gambling tools and verified fairness. Unlicensed sites offer none of that. Players may face lower protection, fewer safeguards and no support if problems arise.
There’s also precedent for this. The UK removed its betting tax in 2001 for exactly this reason. The 9% tax was pushing players offshore. Removing it helped keep play within the regulated market.
Without adjustments or enforcement, Poland’s 15% rate could send more players underground, defeating the aim of safer, tax-paying play.
Conclusion and Where to Play Safely
Poland’s 15% gambling winnings tax will take effect in 2026 if approved. It comes with risks. Players may turn to offshore sites, regulated casinos may struggle to compete, and consumer protections could suffer.
Still, the best way to stay protected is to use licensed sites. They deduct tax at source and follow strict safety rules. If you want to see trusted options, visit our page on the best online casinos in Poland.
Stay informed, play safely, and keep your gambling within legal and secure casino sites.
