Polish Ministry of Finance warns on the use of gaming machines outside casinos and Salons

The Ministry of Finance in a statement warns that the use of gaming machines outside casinos and salons may expose entrepreneurs to legal consequences. They also remind that the Gambling Act permits the organisation of slot machine games only in game casinos and salons.

As we read in the communique, “obtaining the opinion of the testing unit, authorized by the Minister of Finance, from the technical examination of the machine does not guarantee the legality of its operation outside the casino and the games room. Only the decision of the Minister of Finance on the non-gambling character of the game on a given device ensures that such activity is carried out in accordance with the law” it was emphasized.

“Such a unit, which acts under the authority of the Minister of Finance, carries out technical tests of machines, random devices and gaming devices provided in the regulations, and issues opinions from these tests,” the release reads. As added, “this opinion merely states that the tested machine or gaming device meets (or does not) technical conditions.”

The resort indicated that the research unit in its opinions is not entitled to decide whether the game on a given device is a slot machine game within the meaning of the Gambling Act. “Only the Minister of Finance decides about it” it was noted.

The Resort also warns entrepreneurs about the offer of inserting machines into their premises in a situation where as the basis for its legal operation the opinion from the technical examination issued by the testing unit authorized by the Minister of Finance is called “the first fully legal device with official state certification.”

As we read in the warning, “such opinions do not authorize the lawful operation of such machines, and their use may expose the owners of premises to legal liability.”