Polish president vetoes tax increase on gambling winnings
President Karol Nawrocki’s veto provides temporary relief for players and helps limit the shift to the gray market.
Gambling winnings tax remains at 10 percent
Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the increase of the gambling winnings tax from 10% to 15%, marking a rare case of rejecting tax hikes in Europe.
The decision comes amid a review of Poland's gambling regulation and the overall trend of rising taxes in the EU, where gambling is considered a source of additional budget revenue.
Amendments to the income tax law were prepared by the Sejm in October and concerned winnings from bets, lotteries, and other games of chance, excluding certain categories and small amounts.
Industry representatives believe that keeping the rate at 10% helps retain players in the licensed segment and reduces the risk of moving to the gray market. The bill returns to the Sejm and can be passed again with the support of three-fifths of deputies, but for now Polish bookmakers have received temporary relief.
Nawrocki's veto contradicts European practice of increasing taxes in the gambling sector. Market attention now shifts to 2026 and the possible review of strict online casino rules that maintain the monopoly of the state company Totalizator Sportowy.