UK’s number bookmarker William Hill and sports betting operator bet365 are making a planned exit from the Polish market. The casino majors will withdraw their services from the Polish market. Both of them have also informed Polish customers and their affiliates about their decision through emails.
William Hill has indicated a drop of 3% of its revenue in its year-on-year financial results published in February 2017. The main reason of withdrawing from the Polish market for William Hill has been cited to be a few challenges along with the recently changing regulatory developments taking place in Poland. The UK bookmarker has intimated all its customers and affiliates that their services will no longer be available as of April 1, 2017.
Polish players will not be able to avail William Hill offerings after March 2017. In addition, all the players registered with William Hill in Poland need to withdraw their existing balances from their William Hill accounts before to April 1. After the due date, all the accounts of the Polish customers will be suspended. Those who fail to withdraw their balance in the due time, will then have to contact with operator’s customer support agents for withdrawal of their existing balance. On the other hand, all William Hill affiliates are required to pull off all advertising materials, such as banners and text links directed at customers, who are permanent domiciled of the country from their websites.
Earlier this year in January, William Hill exited the Czech market following a similar event. William Hill has further stated that the amended regulations in the country has retained the controversial 12% tax on sports betting turnover. The amendment that can render the market unviable for operators, has been derided by the Remote Gambling Association as well as some Polish cabinet ministers.
Poland’s government has also suggested to review the existing tax issue for which it will bring a separate legislation. However, the exact time and date for the same has not been made clear, neither in recent times, the government has taken any action on this front. On the other hand, the government has set July 1 as the ultimate target to start imposing strict measures against all those unauthorized operators.
The recent announcements made by William Hill and bet365 to exit the Polish market was anticipated by sports betting provider EnergyBet. Before this, UK sports betting and casino operator Pinnacle made its planned exit from Polish market in February 2017. This has paved the way for the Polish Totalizator Sportowy to retain its monopoly on the entire online betting arena in Poland.