Poland Market Report
Te Tatra Mountains, a series of mountains within the Western Carpathians that form a natural border between Slovakia and Poland, are particularly popular amongst tourists. Tis mountain range offers opportunities for hiking, skiing, and experiencing stunning views, particularly around the popular resort town of Zakopane. Additionally, the picturesque Mazury Lakes region in northern Poland often referred to as the "Land of a Tousand Lakes," provides an ideal setting for sailing, fishing, and relaxation. Poland boasts 770 kilometres (480 miles) of coastline too,
with much of it featuring sandy beaches. According to the BBC, TUI is planning to invest in more package holidays along the Baltic Sea, which has long been a favoured summer destination for Poles and is increasingly drawing international tourists. Data from the first quarter of 2023, released by Statistics
Poland (GUS), indicates that tourist stays have already exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Tourism numbers continue to climb, with 4.75 million tourists visiting Poland in August, up from 4.2 million in the same month the previous year, according to the country’s statistics office. According to the Central Statistical Office, in January-November 2023, the number of foreign tourists in Poland amounted to 6,526,000 compared to 5,329,000 in the same period of 2022.
GAMBLING IN POLAND Te Polish gambling law has been in existence since 1992 and it has undergone several amendments over the years. Te most significant amendment came in December 2016 which came into effect in April 2017. Broadly speaking the objective was to crack down on illegal gambling and increase tax revenue. Major
changes were put in place. Tese included: u
u
Opening of state-run gambling arcades u Launch of state-run online casino games
Tightening of the online market to stop unlicensed book- makers
u Introduction of Eurojackpot and online lottery u Permitting of poker tournaments.
Casinos Casinos are permitted to operate slot machines, cylindrical games, and dice games, primarily in connection with large hotels. Regulations stipulate that there can only be one casino per 250,000 residents in any given village or city, and no more than one casino can operate in any province with a total population exceeding 650,000. For every additional population increment of 250,000, one additional casino may be permitted. Each casino is limited to a maximum of 70 slot machines. Te process for licensing includes specific provisions for what
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happens when a license is set to expire. Te Ministry of Finance is required to publish information about the impending expiration no later than nine months prior, along with details about available location opportunities. Should more than one entity meet the qualifications and apply for a restricted license, the responsible minister must announce and conduct a tender process. Operators wishing to obtain a casino concession need to
submit an application to the minister responsible for public fi- nances, adhering to requirements outlined in Article 35 of the Gambling Act. A vital part of this application is the positive opinion from the local municipal council regarding the proposed casino's location. To qualify for a license, applicants must meet stringent structural, financial, and ethical standards. Eligible organisations must be joint-stock or limited liability companies based either in Poland or in other EU/EFTA states, with shareholding permitted from legal entities or individuals from these terri- tories. In addition to the structural criteria, key stakeholders, including
board members, must have a clean legal background. Financial obligations for casino operation include maintaining minimum share capital that adheres to specified thresholds in Polish zlotys. In addition compliance with regulations concerning state security, public order, and anti-money laundering practices is mandatory for receiving a casino licence.
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