24-November-2009

Friday, Poland’s Parliament adopted legislation to restrict gambling to licensed brick-and-mortar casinos. If enacted, the new law would effectively ban Poles from gambling at online casinos.

The legislation also includes provisions that would phase out some 50000 slot machines currently available in Polish clubs, cafes, service stations and barrooms. It would make gambling illegal for persons younger than 18 years of age and would ban play at online poker rooms as well.

Some commentators have called the new legislation an attempt by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to deflect accusations of corruption within his cabinet. Last month, several Tusk appointees left office following accusations that they had sold favors to gambling operators and attempted to block a proposed gambling-tax hike.

Tusk has not commented on the possible connection between last month’s scandal and the new legislation. Instead, his remarks have centered on the legislation itself.

“Barring any surprises, I hope the president will be able to affix his signature as of November 30,” Tusk said Friday.

Poland’s lower chamber passed the bill Thursday, and its Senate voted in favor of it 48 to 3, with 30 abstentions cast. It now requires the signature of Polish President Lech Kaczynski to become law.

By: Phill Provance
phill.provance@acehoyle.com

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