Polish President Karol Nawrocki has rejected a proposed rise in the tax on betting winnings, keeping the rate at 10% instead of the planned 15%. The decision marks a rare instance of a regulatory win for the country’s gambling sector amid broader European trends of increasing gaming-related taxation.
The Sejm, Poland’s upper legislative house, had been working on amendments to the Personal Income Tax Act since October. The proposed changes aimed to raise taxes on winnings from betting, lotteries, gaming, and prize draws, though certain exemptions were included, such as winnings below PLN 2,280 and results from slot machines, card games, dice, bingo, and raffles.
Marek Plota, Managing Partner at RM Legal, commented on LinkedIn, “The veto prevents the adoption of a higher fiscal burden that had raised concerns among licensed operators and industry stakeholders. Keeping the current tax level helps maintain the attractiveness of licensed products and reduces the risk of players shifting to the grey market.”
Dr. Justyna Grusza-Głębicka, an attorney specializing in Polish iGaming law, noted that President Nawrocki highlighted his responsibility to approve laws benefiting Polish citizens while rejecting those that could harm them.
Breathing Room for Poland’s Bookmakers
With the bill returned to the Sejm, a future tax increase is still possible if three-fifths of members vote in favor in the presence of at least half of the 460-member upper house. However, the immediate impact of the veto is a temporary reprieve for operators in a highly competitive market dominated by STS Holdings alongside various domestic and international firms. The threat of higher taxes had raised concerns about players migrating to unregulated markets.
The decision stands in contrast to a broader European pattern where governments have increased gaming taxes, often targeting companies rather than consumers. Attention in Poland now shifts toward 2026, when the government may reconsider restrictive online casino laws that grant exclusive rights to the state-owned Totalizator Sportowy.
Crypto Regulation Bill Returns to Parliament
In parallel, the Polish government has reintroduced the Cryptoasset Market Act, which had been previously vetoed by President Nawrocki. The legislation seeks to align Poland with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations, which require member states to designate an authority to oversee crypto operations. Officials warned that firms risk losing licenses by June next year if the bill is not enacted.
The president opposed the initial bill, citing complexity and high costs for smaller businesses. He also criticized provisions that would allow the government to shut down crypto company websites “with a single click,” stating the measures posed “a real threat to the freedom of Poles.” He added, “Overregulation is a surefire way to push companies abroad instead of creating the conditions for them to earn and pay taxes in Poland.”
Poland’s president, elected in June as an independent with support from the Law and Justice party, wields significant influence in the semi-presidential system, where veto power is among the most notable tools. Any override requires a three-fifths majority in the Sejm. Critics of the crypto bill highlighted that its length and regulatory fees could favor large corporations and banks, potentially driving startups to neighboring countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Source:
"President Nawrocki vetoes plan to increase Poland’s betting winnings tax", sbcnews.co.uk, December 19, 2025
"Crypto bill returns to Polish Parliament after Nawrocki veto", tvpworld.com, December 10, 2025
