Press Release: Direct taxation: Commission requests Poland to end discriminatory taxation of foreign lotteries

The European Commission has sent Poland a formal request to end discriminatory taxation of foreign lotteries. Winnings from lotteries in other Member States are subject in Poland to a higher taxation than winnings in Polish lotteries. The Commission considers that this discrimination is contrary to the EC Treaty. The request is in the form of a ‘reasoned opinion’ under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If Poland does not reply satisfactorily within two months the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.