The European Parliament has officially urged Poland to dismantle its state monopoly on online gambling. In a resolution adopted on April 24, lawmakers stated that the current model — giving exclusive online casino rights to state-owned Totalizator Sportowy — is incompatible with EU digital market principles.

The resolution highlights several key issues with Poland’s monopoly-based system:

  • It restricts fair competition and limits consumer choice
  • It fails to effectively curb unlicensed gambling
  • It undermines the goals of the Digital Services Act
  • It blocks innovation from licensed private operators

According to MEPs, opening the market to regulated private companies could actually improve player protection and industry transparency. The move reflects growing EU-level pressure on member states to modernize outdated gambling frameworks.

Industry Response

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) welcomed the resolution, calling it a strong signal in favor of a competitive, transparent iGaming market. They emphasized that private operators — under strict regulation — are often better equipped to implement responsible gambling tools than monopolies.

What It Means for Affiliates

While the resolution is non-binding, it sets the tone for possible legislative changes in Poland. If the market opens up, affiliates can expect:

  • New brands launching in Poland
  • Fresh campaigns and promo materials
  • A wider selection of offers for local traffic

Right now, Poland remains a tough market for affiliates, but that may soon change if the pressure from Brussels keeps building.