The revenue the government estimates that the tax increase be in place will be an additional 500 million zloty every year, according to the Ministry of Finance. This will include taxes on winnings from slot machines, card games, and lotteries. This increase in gambling tax is similar to changes being made in other European countries. 

The tax will encompass all players, casual or otherwise, and is expected to change gambling strategies, payout structures, and other industry norms. The article will illustrate the impacts of the new tax directives on players and the gambling industry as a whole.

Overview of the New Gambling Tax Increase

Starting in January of 2026, the Polish government is going to implement a 15 per cent tax on gambling winnings that exceed 2,280 zloty. This applies to gambling winnings on jackpots, tournaments, and online casino prizes. The gambling free spins, opens new tab promotions that let players try slots without making a deposit are going to remain available and unchanged. 

This offers a way to win money at online casinos without any financial risk, and that is why the free spins promotions are very popular. The European Gambling and Betting Association’s research shows that 48% of online gamblers in Poland used free spins in the last year. Even though the tax increase means that a gambler’s net winnings on large prizes will be lower, the availability of free spins offers remains unchanged.

Many online casinos continue to offer a wide range of online slot games for players to try with the free spins offers. This means players can gain experience and even win prizes without any financial risk to their own money.

Impact on Online Casino Players and Winnings

The regulation changes will most impact everyday online casino players and those competing in high-stakes tournaments. With the current 10% tax, players walk away with 90% of the amount, meaning they earn 9,000 zloty on a 10,000 zloty jackpot. With the new 15% tax, their net winnings will now be 8,500 zloty. 

The Polish Gaming Authority stated that at the start of 2025, the average online casino payout in Poland was 7,200 zloty per month. Players will most likely adjust their betting strategy in response to the new payout structure by taking fewer gambles in high-stakes tournaments and strategically placing smaller bets that offer higher chances of netting a win. 

Analysts believe online casinos will change their reward schemes to focus on risk-free gameplay, with offers like free spins, in an effort to keep players interested and pull new users in.

Comparison with Previous Tax Rates in Poland

Since 2018, a 10% tax rate has been uniform. Before this period, winnings on cases surpassing 1,000 zloty were subjected to a 12% tax. Relative to recent and historical levels, raising the rate to 15% remains a steep increase. 

Polish gambling tax revenue has historically increased from 1.7 billion zloty in 2020 to 2.3 billion zloty in 2024, according to Poland's National Revenue Administration. With projections for 2026 increases, the revenue is expected to surpass 2.8 billion zloty. Increased taxes will likely suppress the appeal of high bets and tent gambling behavior to players in cages.

Though high-stakes players will likely feel the impact the most, casual players with minimal winnings will be the least affected.

Implications for Local and International Gambling Operators

In relation to the increase in tax, gambling operators across the board in Poland will see some changes. Local operators will probably restructure some prize distributions to the players, while lateral Polish businesses will probably change some value in their promotions to lock in Polish players. 

The Polish offshore gambling market is sizeable since 35% of Polish players are offshore customers, opens new tab, according to the industry experts. This will create a situation where operators provide some value to players with free spins and low-risk bonus options, so they limit their gambling.

These businesses will probably add new value in the form of loyalty programs and adjust the amount of net prize winnings in their games or promotions to the new tax level.

Considering the 2026 Changes

As a player, one should review your gambling patterns and the impact of the new tax rate on winnings. Experts believe that although the 15% tax will reduce the net winnings, it is likely to promote more responsible and strategic gambling. 

One can focus on low-risk activities such as free spins or smaller bets to maintain the entertainment value and reduce the financial risk. Following government information and official figures will enable players to adapt their game plans to the new tax situation. 

Players will also likely need to account for the likely changes to unrestricted bonuses and prizes, and the game types that operators will make available with the new tax structures.