Legal vs. illegal bookmakers — how to tell them apart + MF list
This is the most important page for your safety. We explain how to check whether a bookmaker is legal in 2 minutes, why offshore operators are dangerous and — as of 2026 — also legally risky, and why our service covers only operators licensed by the Minister of Finance. Updated: October 2026.
See our full list of licensed bookmakers in Poland for the complete register with permit numbers.
See our Betters review for the licence details and our full rating.
See our PZBUK review for the licence details and our full rating.
How to check an MF licence (step by step)
The only reliable source is the official register of the Ministry of Finance. The check takes just a moment:
- Go to gov.pl/web/finanse/legalny-hazard — the official MF service dedicated to legal gambling.
- Find the list of entities authorised to organise online betting.
- Check whether the bookmaker’s company name and domain appear on the list.
- If the operator is not on the list — do not open an account there.
In addition, a legal bookmaker states its MF decision number in the footer or in the “About us” tab. You’ll find a ready, verified list of 17 operators in our list of legal bookmakers — each review, e.g. STS or Fortuna, opens with licence confirmation. For instance, our Betclic review and Superbet review confirm their current MF licences too.
Why illegal bookmakers are dangerous
Offshore operators (without an MF licence) tempt with “better” bonuses, but for the player they mean real risk:
| Aspect | Legal (MF) | Illegal (offshore) |
|---|---|---|
| Protection of funds | Statutory financial security posted by the operator | None — possible loss of deposits |
| Payout of winnings | Enforceable | May be blocked |
| Tax settlement | On the operator’s side | Risk on the player’s side |
| RG / 18+ tools | Mandatory | Often missing |
| Player’s legal status | Legal | Playing with an illegal entity |
What follows from an MF permit
A licence from the Minister of Finance is not just a formality — it imposes specific obligations on the bookmaker that genuinely protect the player:
- Age (18+) and identity verification when opening an account.
- Settling the 12% gaming tax on the player’s behalf (details in the tax on winnings guide).
- Responsible gambling tools — deposit limits, time limits and self-exclusion, also globally via the uzaleznieniabehawioralne.pl register.
- Being subject to Polish law — winnings are enforceable, and disputes are resolved under national regulations.
An illegal operator offers none of these guarantees, even though its site may look professional and tempt you with a high bonus. These are mere appearances, with no legal protection behind them.
Legal risk in 2026 (Art. 29)
Polish gambling law has for years prohibited organising and advertising unlicensed betting. Under Art. 29 of the Gambling Act, it is prohibited, among other things, to advertise and promote games and bets conducted without a licence, and the state blocks access to such services (the register of prohibited domains) and payments to them. Using an offshore offer puts the player on the wrong side of this regulation — which is why services that still list operators without an MF licence expose their readers to risk. We deliberately do not do this.
Which brands to avoid
Some brands well known abroad do not hold a Polish MF licence, and their offer is illegal in Poland. These include, among others, Betsson, 1xBet, 22bet and bet365. We list them solely as a warning — “avoid”, and not as a place to play. If you see a ranking recommending these brands to Polish players, treat it as a warning sign. Note: some foreign groups operate in Poland under a separate, legal brand with an MF licence (these are precisely the operators from our list) — and only that version may be used.
Red flags — how to spot an illegal service
Even without checking the MF list, a few signals should put you on alert:
- No MF decision number in the footer or the “About us” tab.
- Promises of “tax-free” winnings or absurdly high bonuses with no conditions — a legal operator always settles the 12% tax.
- No age and identity verification at registration.
- A casino/slots section next to betting — in Poland, online casino is legally offered only by the state monopoly, so such an offer at a “bookmaker” is a warning sign.
- A domain off the MF list or frequent address changes (“mirrors”).
If you notice even one of these flags — do not open an account. You’ll find a safe choice only in our list of legal bookmakers.
Our promise
We cover and recommend only 17 operators with a current licence from the Minister of Finance, which we verify in the MF register. This is the foundation of our trust. Before you start, read the how to bet guide and check the rules on tax on winnings.
The key points in three bullets
- Check the licence at gov.pl/web/finanse/legalny-hazard before opening an account — it takes two minutes.
- Steer clear of operators off the MF list (e.g. Betsson, 1xBet, 22bet, bet365) — their offer is illegal in Poland, and using it is also legally risky.
- Choose from our ranking — 17 verified, legal brands with full player protection.
Safety starts with a single click into the MF register — and we’ve done that work for you in the list of legal bookmakers. It is precisely this principle — only operators with an MF licence, no exceptions — that sets us apart from services which, for the sake of commission, still list risky offshore brands.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check whether a bookmaker is legal in Poland?
Go to gov.pl/web/finanse/legalny-hazard and check whether the operator’s name and domain appear on the list of authorised entities. If they are not there — the bookmaker is illegal. You’ll find a ready list in our list.
Is betting with a foreign bookmaker legal?
No, if the operator does not hold a licence from the Minister of Finance. The offer of brands such as Betsson, 1xBet, 22bet or bet365 is illegal in Poland — we list them solely as a warning. Use only legal bookmakers with an MF licence.
What are the consequences of betting with an illegal bookmaker?
Beyond the lack of fund protection and the risk of a blocked payout, playing with an unlicensed operator is unlawful (Art. 29 of the Gambling Act prohibits, among other things, the promotion of such bets, and the state blocks access and payments). That is why we recommend only operators with an MF licence.