Warsaw — Recognized casinos now have a monopoly on legal gambling in Poland, according to a law passed Friday by the Senate.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk proposed the bill, Parliament’s lower chamber approved the proposal, and the Senate sealed the process nearly unanimously with a 48 to 3 vote. Notably, there were 30 abstentions…not enough to block, but still nearly half of the voting members.
The bill sets the legal age for gambling at 18. Slot machines occupying numerous Polish clubs, shops, cafes, and convenience stores/ gas stations will be gradually phased out as their licenses expire and are not renewed.
Polish President, Lech Kaczynski, must still sign the bill to finish the process, but it is considered to be nearly a foregone conclusion. “Barring any surprises, I hope the president will be able to affix his signature as of November 30,” the Prime Minister said.
