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Poland’s competition authority has launched a wide‑ranging probe into the country’s betting market, focusing on whether bookmakers are treating customers fairly and designing services responsibly.
The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), Tomasz Chróstny, announced last Wednesday that his office is examining both contract terms and the way websites and apps are built, looking for manipulative techniques known as dark patterns.
He explained, “In a market where not only money is at stake, but also consumers’ financial security and the risk of developing a gambling addiction, undertakings’ responsibility does not end with compliance with legal requirements. It also extends to the way websites and apps operate and how businesses communicate with users.”
STS, Fortuna, Superbet among those being investigated
The investigation covers Poland’s largest bookmakers, including STS, Fortuna, Superbet, Bukmacherska (fuksiarz.pl), E‑toto, LV Bet and Totalbet.
UOKiK is checking whether these companies use interface tricks or communication methods that push consumers into gambling more often or make it harder to stop. The authority is reviewing website layouts, mobile app features and user messaging, supported by an AI tool designed to detect manipulative practices.
One area of concern is the imbalance between account closure and reactivation, while shutting down or suspending an account may involve multiple steps, resuming gambling often requires far fewer procedures.
Chróstny stressed that betting is legal entertainment but comes with statutory obligations. “The risks associated with betting must not be exacerbated by solutions employed by undertakings or by unclear provisions in their terms and conditions,” he said.
Contract terms also under scrutiny
Alongside the probe into dark patterns, UOKiK is challenging unfair contract clauses. Proceedings are underway against several bookmakers accused of using terms that give them excessive discretion to void bets, block accounts or decide payouts without clear rules.
Consumers, the regulator insists, must know in advance under what circumstances such decisions can be taken and what the consequences will be.
For using unfair terms, companies including STS, Fortuna, Superbet, Bukmacherska and E‑toto could face fines of up to 10% of turnover.
