SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Curacao and Malta-licensed online sportsbook Pinnacle has confirmed that it has withdrawn its betting services from the Polish market.
The bookmaker updated its customer base on the market withdrawal stating that it wished to comply with new Polish gambling laws approved in December 2016.
As a result of its decision, Pinnacle will move to make all Polish registered accounts inactive from 1 April, with all remaining funds and balances promptly returned to customers.
Pinnacle management confirmed the departure from the Polish market, but made no official announcement regarding the market withdrawal.
Despite criticism from EU officials and industry stakeholders, the Polish government has continued to stick with its unpopular online gambling framework, which at present taxes betting operators at 12% of wagering turnover.
Multiple foreign industry operators have complained to the European Court of Justice, stating that Poland’s current restrictive framework is unmanageable and simply favours state-owned betting firms.
Despite pressure from the European Commission, In 2016 the Polish government refused to align its gambling industry framework with European business policies, instead the government added further online restrictions to casino and slot games, further hindering international stakeholders.
