Poland casinos are legal but tightly limited. Land-based casinos need a licence from the Minister of Finance, their number is capped by population, and online casino games are a state monopoly run by Totalizator Sportowy through its Total Casino site. Online sports betting is legal only with Polish-licensed bookmakers, and the minimum age is 18.
Poland gambling at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main law | Gambling Act of November 19, 2009, as amended in 2017 |
| Licensing | Minister of Finance |
| Land-based casinos | Limited to one per 650,000 residents of each province |
| Online casino games | State monopoly: Total Casino (Totalizator Sportowy) |
| Online sports betting | Legal with Polish-licensed bookmakers only |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Last checked | November 2026 |
Gambling laws in Poland
Polish gambling is governed by the Gambling Act of November 19, 2009, one of the strictest gambling laws in the European Union.
A major amendment took effect in 2017. It made online casino games a state monopoly, gave the state-owned Totalizator Sportowy the exclusive right to run slot machine parlours outside casinos, and created a public register of blocked domains. Internet providers must block sites on the register within 48 hours, and payment providers must block payments to them. Playing with unlicensed operators is an offence under the Fiscal Penal Code, so players as well as operators can be fined.
Casinos in Poland
Casino licences are issued by the Minister of Finance, and the law limits each province (voivodeship) to one casino for every full 650,000 residents. As a result, Poland has a modest number of casinos, mostly in the larger cities. Expect a compact floor with slot machines, roulette, blackjack and poker games rather than a resort-style casino. Bring a passport or ID card, since every casino checks identity and age at the door.
Online gambling in Poland
Online casino games are legal only on Total Casino, run by Totalizator Sportowy. Private online casinos and poker sites cannot get a Polish licence, and foreign sites are blocked through the domain register.
Online sports betting is open to private operators that hold a licence from the Minister of Finance, and the Ministry publishes the list of licensed bookmakers. Several large Polish and international bookmakers hold licences.
US readers looking for legal online play at home can read our guide to online gambling in the US.
Lotteries
Number games such as Lotto are reserved for the state monopoly. Totalizator Sportowy runs Poland’s national lottery games under the Lotto brand, sold in shops nationwide and online.
A short history of gambling in Poland
Totalizator Sportowy, the state-owned company behind Lotto, was founded in 1956 and marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. Today’s strict rules come from the 2009 Gambling Act and its 2017 amendment, which turned online casino games into a state monopoly.
Poland casinos FAQ
Is gambling legal in Poland?
Yes, in licensed casinos, licensed betting shops and through state-run lotteries and online games. Unlicensed online gambling is illegal for both operators and players.
Are online casinos legal in Poland?
Only Total Casino, run by the state-owned Totalizator Sportowy. Other online casinos are blocked.
What is the gambling age in Poland?
18.
Can you bet on sports online in Poland?
Yes, with bookmakers licensed by the Polish Minister of Finance.
Please gamble responsibly. US readers can call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.