Poland reopens slot machines probe

The Polish national prosecutor has reopened an investigation on potential government corruption regarding slot machines approval.

Deputy Prosecutor General at the National Prosecutor’s Office Bogdan Swieczkowski has decided to reopen an investigation over alleged government officials corruption regarding slot machines. The Polish prosecutor will look into a supposed Ministry of Finance registration of 78k slots as low-stakes/payout amusement with prizes (AWP) machines instead of high-stakes/payout slots between 2006 and 2009.

The alleged registration would’ve broken the country’s 1992 gambling law, which restricted high-stakes/payout slots. The Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Poznan has already investigated the alleged violation but determined to clear the officials and closed it on March 31. However, while Polish lottery operator Totalizator Sportowy prepares to launch the first national slot venues, the National Prosecutor’s office has started to look into its regional peer’s decision.

Poland approved new legislation in 2009 in order to bring order to the gambling market and banned AWPs outside casinos. In 2016, new regulations proved effective as the market reported its first annual turnover growth of 4 percent, the first peak since 2009. Furthermore, lawmakers also amended the National Gambling Act in 2016, favouring local operators with heavy tax rates for international companies.