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The Latest Polish Casino News and Online Gambling Regulations
Every industry has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Polish gambling industry has been no exception to this. Century Casinos, which has a number of land-based facilities across Poland, has been ordered to temporarily close as Poland, along with many other countries on the continent, battle an upsurge in Covid-19 cases. In the following article, we are going to take a closer look at this shutdown before taking a look at the Polish online casino scene and their gambling regulations.
The Shutdown Period at Century Casinos
The Colorado Springs based gaming operator announced that its Polish casinos, of which there are 8, will be shut to the public from March the 19th until April the 9th. However, if the number of cases has not started to decrease by then, there is a very good chance that the shutdown will be extended further. This is not the first shutdown that they have been forced to have as all casinos in Poland were ordered to close on the 28th of December 2020, and they were not allowed to open again for close to two months.
This news will be pretty frustrating for casino players across Poland as the Polish love to gamble, but at the end of the day the Polish government needs to put the health of its people above the wealth of its people.
When it does open up again, it is likely that strict regulations will be in place to try and contain the spread of Covid-19. At the time of writing, facemasks are compulsory across Poland when out in public, except for when you are able to keep a 1.5 metre distance from others. Therefore, face masks are not mandatory when out in the countryside or in National Parks and forests. As a result, when Century Casinos finally get given permission from the Polish government to open up again, it is likely that anyone who enters will have to wear a mask at all times.
It is also likely that they will only be allowed to let in a certain number of people at once and that they will have reduced opening hours so that they have time to sanitize the tables and slot games to decrease the chances of patrons catching the virus.
The Polish Online Casino Scene
As we said above, the Polish love to gamble and the closure of land-based casinos across the country will be frustrating to many casino players. However, all is not lost as the Polish have access to a great and ever-growing online casino scene. Although the online gambling market is small if you compare it to the online gambling scenes in the United States or the United Kingdom, there is one thing that is for certain and this is that the Polish online gambling scene is growing at a steady pace.
This growth started back in 2017 when the Polish government decided to amend the Gambling Act to make regulations less strict. They are still some of the strictest around (more on this below), but they are not as strict as they used to be, and this has had a big impact on the country’s gambling revenue. To give you an idea as to just how much the Polish online gambling scene has grown, in 2015 a mere €0.11bn was generated from it. However, in 2018, according to the casino experts from kasynopolskaonline.com, the industry was worth €1.82 billion. Now, in 2021, it is estimated to be worth somewhere in the region of €5 billion.
Now, we know that there is some way for it to go before it can put itself at the same level of the UK gambling market, but it is clear for everyone to see that Poland’s online gambling market is definitely on the right trajectory. If it keeps growing at the rate that it is, we see no reason why they cannot hit the €10 billion mark within the next 5-10 years.
Polish Gambling Regulations
Based on the numbers that we just gave above, it is clear that Polish online market is doing really well. However, like we said, Polish operators and players still need to adhere to strict gambling rules.
At the time of writing, Polish online casino players are only able to participate in types of gambling that are regulated and licensed by Act on Gambling Games, which was amended in November 2019. This includes slot games, table games, bingo, sports betting, and lottery.
So, where does this leave the online gambling scene in Poland? Well, truthfully, it is a complicated situation. In fact, Totalizator Sportowy is the only state-owned operator that is permitted to offer casino games and sports betting in Poland. Now, this is not recent news as this is an issue that has been impacting the Polish gambling market in the European Union for years. Polish casino players had hoped that some new laws would be put in place in 2017 to allow other operators to provide their services in the country, but that did not materialize.
However, when all things are considered, the situation is not too bad for Polish players. For example, there are no rules that declare that Polish gamblers cannot open an account with an offshore gambling site. There are now plenty of offshore online casinos that are happy to accept players from Poland. However, they have to be in possession of a valid gambling license from a legitimate gambling regulator, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission, and Polish players have to be 21 or older in order to sign up.
FreezeNova
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Latest News
Week 51/2024 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft has released its epic samurai saga, Geisha’s Revenge. Set among Japan’s opulent teahouses, the game follows leading light Ayane on her quest to seek justice for her family by the ruthless samurai. Geisha’s Revenge is a video slot presented within a framework that has five reels, the first of which has five rows and the next four have six rows.
3…2…1… Get ready for blastoff in Wild Moonsters, the latest intergalactic slot adventure from in-demand studio, Silverback Gaming. Players go on a cosmic thrill tide as they navigate a hexagon game grid to create stellar clusters of 4+ matching symbols to form wins. They also need to keep their eyes out for the Wild symbol, which shoots excitement, and big win potential, into the stratosphere.
TaDa Gaming has released its latest slot game, Lucky Jaguar. With three rows, three reels and five fixed play lines, this fast gameplay slot delivers wild bonuses and multiplier bonuses alongside the TaDa Extra Bets and Lock and Respin features. The wealth of the Aztec empire is waiting in Lucky Jaguar in both the main game and the bonus game, which can trigger randomly at any time to deliver the Lock and Respin feature.
ICONIC21, the in-demand provider of live content, continues to push boundaries with the addition of slots to its growing game portfolio. The provider’s slot games will combine classic mechanics, engaging narratives and fun characters offering players an interactive experience throughout. The first slot titles to go live will be Solar Sands, Vitamin Joy, Tortuga Fortune and Juicy Coins: Hold & Win with ICONIC21 planning to launch one slot per month in 2025. The slots are high volatility ones, with max wins ranging from x300 to x36,000. Wild & Scatter Symbols, Hold & Win, Bonus Rounds, Multipliers and Free Spins ensure the games have a fluid, entertaining gameplay.
BGaming takes the concept of the ever-popular premium rubber duck stores and swings open the doors to its own slot version in Lucky Ducky X-Mas Edition. This quacky festive title features the popular MergeUp™(patent pending) mechanic with nine levels, Free Spins with multipliers up to x128, and both the Buy Bonus and Chance x2 buttons.
Evoplay has launched Sea of Wealth, an underwater adventure combining engaging visuals and innovative features. The game features a 3×3 reel layout with symbols inspired by marine life and hidden treasures. Poseidon serves as the Wild symbol, while his Trident activates the Bonus Game when paired with Bonus symbols. With Trident Magic, Poseidon’s Trident collects values from Bonus symbols, while Trident Shot can trigger a transformation of random symbols on reels 1 or 3 into Bonus symbols, increasing the likelihood of activating the Bonus Game.
Nolimit City returns to the most profitable sweatshop in the business in Outsourced: Payday. Workers have been replaced by claws who never call in sick! This Labs-branded slot takes the Outsourced theme to the next level. This is yet another experimental game that changes the way players enjoy Nolimit City’s slots.
Battle the beast and claim untold riches in Jolly Roger Wild Kraken! This high-seas pirate expedition takes players deep into the Kraken’s lair, where treasures await those brave enough to face the fury of the legendary Wild Kraken. Play’n GO’s latest release brings back Captain Red Roger in an all-new nautical escapade. Having braved countless dangers in search of treasure, Roger now sets his sights on Kraken Deeps – a perilous archipelago shrouded in mystery and riches.
PopOK Gaming announced the launch of Papai Noel da Fortuna, the latest holiday-themed slot game. Just in time for the season of joy, this exciting release captures the magic of Christmas and New Year with festive fun, dazzling rewards, and immersive gameplay. Step into a winter wonderland where Santa Claus himself takes center stage, filling the reels with sparkling ornaments, golden bells, and overflowing gift bags. With Papai Noel da Fortuna, every spin is a celebration of holiday cheer and fortune.
ELA Games, a modern and trailblazing game development studio, announces the release of its latest game, Wealth of Legends. The slot aims to attract players of various audiences with its unique format, exciting graphics and captivating features. The 5×5 game pays all ways, giving players plenty of opportunities to win during the base game, keeping the playing experience engaging. Landing a coin symbol in the special zone triggers the Hold & Win feature, which begins three free re-spins. Collect special jackpot coins for a lucrative win!
The post Week 51/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market
Industry-leading provider secures license to provide slots and live content in Denmark
Award-winning casino content provider Stakelogic has obtained a license from the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, to provide its gaming content in Denmark.
The license will allow Stakelogic to bring its premium portfolio of online casino slots and live dealer content to the Danish market, including recent releases like Fire and Gold Cluster Breaker, Super Wheel Game Show, Trident of Legends, and The Watcher.
Stakelogic is able to partner up with leading Danish operators, establishing itself as a must-have provider in the country. The move further highlights Stakelogic’s commitment to strengthening its position in the European market and exploring new and exciting regulated markets.
The license also further cements the company’s presence in the Scandinavian markets, having secured a license from the Swedish authority, Spelinspektionen, in 2023 and establishing itself as a popular provider among Swedish players.
Denmark is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets, with a strong focus on customer care and responsible gambling. Stakelogic is proud to have met all the requirements needed to obtain the license, highlighting its commitment to providing players with the best and safest gaming experiences.
Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, said: “Denmark is one of the fastest growing markets in Europe, and we are proud to have achieved a license to the newly regulated market.
We are grateful to Spillemyndigheden for their support in us and we are excited to take our next steps into the market.”
The post Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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