Poland's President, Karol Nawrocki, has vetoed a legislative proposal that would have increased the tax on gambling winnings from 10% to 15%, preventing the measure from entering into force.
The rejected proposal would have applied to winnings generated from regulated gambling activities, including sports betting. As a result of the veto, the current 10% tax rate on player winnings will remain unchanged.
The proposed increase had formed part of broader fiscal discussions around gambling taxation and state revenues.
However, the higher rate raised concerns among licensed operators and industry stakeholders, who argued that an increased tax burden on winnings could negatively affect the competitiveness of Poland's regulated gambling market.
Industry observers have noted that higher taxation on winnings can influence player behaviour, particularly in markets where unlicensed alternatives remain accessible.
Marek Plota, Managing Partner at RM Legal and a specialist in gambling regulation, told Global Gaming Insider: "Maintaining the current tax level helps preserve the attractiveness of licensed online offerings and reduces the risk of players migrating to unlicensed operators in the grey market."
The presidential veto brings the legislative process to a halt, unless lawmakers seek to override the decision or introduce a revised proposal. For now, Poland's gambling tax framework remains unchanged, providing regulatory certainty for licensed operators active in the market.
The decision also comes amid wider regulatory developments in Poland's gambling sector, where authorities have increased focus on consumer protection, youth safeguards and emerging digital risks.
Recent legislative activity has highlighted a broader effort to modernise the Gambling Act while balancing market attractiveness with public policy objectives.
Earlier this month, Poland advanced amendments to its Gambling Act aimed at tightening oversight of loot box mechanics in video games.
As previously reported by Global Gaming Insider, the proposed changes would classify certain loot box systems as gambling activities, subjecting them to licensing and additional youth protection measures.
Legal experts noted that the move reflects Poland's broader regulatory focus on limiting gambling related harm, particularly among minors, while addressing grey market activity linked to digital gaming environments.
Poland applies a 10% tax on gambling winnings at the player level, alongside separate tax and licensing obligations imposed on operators under the national Gambling Act
