The Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has begun an investigation into several major sports betting operators. The regulator is investigating whether they are using practices that could encourage players to engage in compulsive gambling, among other concerns.
According to local media, STS, Fortuna, Superbet, E-Toto, LV Bet and Total Bet are among those under investigation.
Their website and mobile app solutions, alongside communications to players, are being analysed for so-called ‘dark patterns.’
According to UOKiK, this includes techniques for designing interfaces and processes that can manipulate consumer decisions. The regulator is employing AI solutions to support this investigation process.
However, within industry circles, this may well simply be considered solid retention or marketing strategies. It highlights an ongoing juxtaposition within gambling that any techniques used to increase consumer activity can be considered predatory by wider society.
Indeed, the same techniques that any other business may deploy are the subject of closer scrutiny due to the potential for addiction with gambling.
UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny commented on this development, stating: "In a market where not only money is at stake, but also wider player financial security and the threat of psychological addiction. Operators' responsibility doesn't stop at regulatory compliance.
"It also encompasses the operation of websites and applications, as well as communication with users. The risks associated with betting cannot be exacerbated by solutions used by operators or unclear provisions of regulations."
Meanwhile, UOKiK is also investigating the use of prohibited contractual clauses by some operators, particularly those granting excessive discretion to void bets, block accounts or settle winnings.
For violating these regulations, UOKiK may impose financial penalties on operators of up to 10% of their annual turnover.
In separate developments, Poland is stepping up efforts to tackle illegal online gambling by targeting the financial infrastructure.
A recent analysis by Global Gaming Insider covers in depth how regulators, payment providers and industry stakeholders are increasingly turning to transaction monitoring, artificial intelligence and cross-sector cooperation.
According to official data from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the gambling industry's revenue for 2025 was PLN 117.35bn ($31.8bn), an increase of 24.7% year-on-year
