Poland may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about gambling, but it has a rich history and culture surrounding gaming. The popularity of gambling in Poland dates back centuries, with traditional games like Baccarat, Poker, and Roulette being enjoyed by the masses. However, with the rise of technology and the internet, online casinos have become increasingly popular in Poland.
Anna Rosak is a gaming expert and digital marketing consultant from Poland and she was there to witness the iGaming boom first-hand. Anna shared her knowledge on how the situation currently looks like with Polish casinos and their accessibility. In this article, we will take a closer look at Polish iGaming and explore the reasons behind its rising popularity.
A Brief History of Gambling in Poland
Gambling has been a part of Polish culture for centuries, with evidence of games being played as early as the 16th century. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that gambling became more widespread in Poland. During this time, casinos were established in major cities like Warsaw and Krakow, attracting both locals and tourists.
But with the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent communist regime, gambling was banned in Poland for several decades. It wasn’t until the fall of communism in 1989 that gambling was once again legalized. This opened up a new era for gaming in Poland, with the establishment of state-owned casinos and the emergence of private operators.
The Popularity of Gambling in Poland
So, what makes Poland such an attractive destination for gamblers? Anna says: “For starters, the country boasts over 40 brick-and-mortar casinos, with most of them located in major cities like Warsaw and Krakow. These casinos offer a wide variety of games such as poker, blackjack, and slot machines, providing an all-encompassing gambling experience for players”. Casinos offer a variety of games including slots, poker, and blackjack, catering to all types of players. “The most popular games though are actually good old slot machines”, Anna reveals.
Today, gambling is a popular pastime for many Poles. According to a survey conducted by market research company Kantar Millward Brown in 2019, over half of Polish adults have participated in some form of gambling activity in the past year. The most popular forms of gambling include Lotto, sports betting, and before mentioned slot machines.
“Many Poles see casino games as an easy way to win money”, Anna admits and continues “The operators that Poles usually seek for are, as we call them in Polish, kasyno online w złotówkach, so the ones that accept local currency and well-known payment methods”.
One reason for the popularity of gambling in Poland is its accessibility. With a wide variety of land-based casinos and bookmakers scattered throughout the country, gaming is easily accessible for many Poles. Additionally, the rise of online casinos has made it even more convenient for people to gamble from the comfort of their own homes.
The Rise of Online Casinos
While land-based casinos and bookmakers still hold a strong presence in Poland, the iGaming industry has been steadily growing in recent years. With advancements in technology and internet penetration, online casinos have become a popular choice for Polish gamblers.
One of the main advantages of online casinos is the convenience they offer. Players can access their favorite games from any device with an internet connection, making it easier than ever to gamble. Furthermore, online casinos often offer a wider range of games and betting options compared to traditional casinos. “And Poles definitely like to have a big choice”, Anna adds.
Who Plays Casino Games in Poland?
When it comes to online casino gaming in Poland, one may wonder who exactly is playing these games. According to Anna, the Polish online gambling community is very similar to that of other Central and Eastern European countries.
Rosak believes that young men under the age of 40 are most open to online casino gaming, but tend to stick to games like poker or blackjack. On the other hand, older generations prefer “lightweight” games such as slots and online scratch cards, which come with different themes and features at varying price points. This makes them a popular choice among players in Poland.
However, there is still room for growth in terms of female participation in the iGaming community. Rosak explains that women may be more likely to partake in online gaming if they had more free time, particularly once their children have left the nest. She also notes that there is still work to be done in making gaming more appealing and accessible to young women. “There is definitely a lot of work to do to make online gaming more approachable for women”, Anna says. It’s worth mentioning though that women tend to spend more time following the trends and entertainment news which often results in them picking up some finance tricks from their favorite celebrities.
In Conclusion
As technology continues to advance and internet access becomes more widespread, it is likely that more Poles will turn to online casinos for their gambling needs. This could lead to further growth in the iGaming industry and potentially even more relaxed regulations in the future.
Poland may not be known as a top gambling destination, but its rich history and culture surrounding gaming make it a fascinating country to explore in the iGaming industry. With traditional games still popular and online casinos on the rise, there is no doubt that Polish gamblers will continue to enjoy their favorite pastime for years to come.
