Polish Parliament Approves Stricter Laws for Polish Gaming Industry

A new bill was just approved in the Polish Parliament on November 23rd, 2009, which restricts gaming strictly within the confines of casino facilities. The gaming bill's approval comes after a huge scandal, dubbed as the "Blackjackgate", seriously rocked the cabinet of Prime Minister Tusk last month.

Following the gaming scandal, Prime Minister Tusk started a push towards the approval of a stricter legislation regarding the gambling industry in Poland. In a vote of forty-eight to three with thirty abstentions, the bill passed in the Polish Senate.

However, it still requires the approval of President Kaczynski, of which Prime Minister Tusk is confident, stating that barring any new surprises, he hopes that President Kaczynski will be able to place his signature on the new bill as of November 30th, 2009.

The new gaming law states that stat slot machines, previously permitted in bars, service stations, cafe and some shopping malls around the country, will only now be permitted within official casino facilities.

It is estimated that more than fifty thousand slot machines may have to be removed. Also, individuals below eighteen years old will not be allowed to gamble at all. The new law also affects online gaming, which will no longer be permitted under Polish law.

However, the enforcement of this aspect of the bill will prove more difficult that removing thousands of slot machines.

Thursday, 17 December 2009
Cindy Alfonso