EnergyBet backs out of Polish market

EnergyBet has become the latest online gambling operator to withdraw from Poland.

The company will officially halt operations in the country on April 1, with all EnergyBet affiliate partners instructed to remove advertising and promotions focused on the national market before this date.

EnergyBet will shut down accounts for Polish residents and return any balances, but will honour any bets placed before the cut-off date.

In a statement, EnergyBet said: “EnergyBet management have been watching developments regarding regulations in Poland closely for some time, and had hoped that the Polish government would listen to the advice of the EU and other authorities.

“Sadly, however, this was not the case, and the new highly restrictive and hostile regulatory environment has made continued operations unviable.

“The decision to cease offering EnergyBet services to customers is Poland was not taken lightly, and any resulting inconvenience and disappointment is very much regretted.”

Last month, sports betting operator Pinnacle Sports also announced that it was to exit the Polish market by the start of April.

Marcin Sapinski, chief executive of EnergyBet, added: “The Polish market has always been very important to us, and we share the frustration of Polish customers.

“We will continue to monitor developments, with the aim of returning to the Polish market if things change. In the meantime, we would like to thank our Polish customers for their understanding.”

Related article: Pinnacle departs Polish market