The company finalizes withdrawal, citing regulatory challenges
Kindred Group, a prominent player in the global gambling market, has officially completed its exit from Poland, marking the closure of its sportsbook platform in the country. This decision follows the company’s acquisition by La Française des Jeux (FDJ) earlier in 2024, signaling a significant shift in its operational strategy.
The Polish gambling market, known for its stringent regulatory environment, had long posed challenges for Kindred. Despite its strong presence with the Unibet brand, Kindred had never obtained an official operating license in Poland. This inability to secure the necessary authorization led to a broader exit strategy, with Kindred shutting down its poker, bingo, and casino operations in the country earlier this year.
A Changing Landscape for Kindred Group
Kindred’s exit from Poland isn’t an isolated event. Following its acquisition by FDJ, the company has shifted its focus towards operating only in markets with clearly defined regulations. FDJ, which made headlines in 2024 with one of the year’s largest mergers and acquisitions, has made it clear that Kindred’s future will be tied to regulated local markets. This strategic realignment is part of a broader trend within the gambling industry, where companies are increasingly choosing to operate only in jurisdictions that align with their licensing and regulatory requirements.
For Kindred, this meant cutting ties with markets that posed challenges—Poland being one of them. The company had faced mounting pressure from local competitors, such as STS, who had accused Kindred of running its Unibet brand without the proper licenses. These accusations only highlighted the difficulties Kindred encountered while operating in the country’s tightly controlled gambling market.
What Led to the Exit?
The withdrawal from Poland was a well-anticipated move, given FDJ’s stance on operating exclusively in regulated markets. In the months leading up to the official exit, Kindred had already pulled its poker, bingo, and casino services from the country. The final step was the closure of its sportsbook platform, which was officially shut down on November 25, 2024. This marked the end of Kindred’s online gambling operations in Poland, with all bets placed on the Unibet platform being settled as per the company’s announcement.
The decision to cease operations in Poland was part of a broader effort to refocus Kindred’s portfolio on more profitable and stable markets where the company could operate with full compliance. The move to withdraw from the Polish market also reflects the growing complexity and cost of operating in countries with strict gambling laws, a trend that has been seen in other markets as well.
Kindred’s Strategy Moving Forward
With the conclusion of its Polish exit, Kindred Group is set to continue its operations under FDJ’s direction, focusing on expanding in markets where it holds valid licenses. The company’s strategy moving forward will likely see a continued emphasis on local, regulated markets, which are becoming increasingly attractive for gambling operators looking to avoid the uncertainties of unlicensed operations.
Kindred’s exit from Poland is not the only market it has withdrawn from recently. The company also announced its plans to cease operations in Norway, another country with complex gambling regulations. This shift indicates a larger trend in the industry, where operators are rethinking their global strategies to focus on areas with more favorable legal frameworks.
Kindred Group’s full withdrawal from Poland reflects the challenges of operating in an increasingly regulated global market. As FDJ tightens its grip on the company’s operations, Kindred will focus on markets that offer clearer regulatory pathways, leaving behind regions where navigating the legal landscape has become too complicated or costly. This move marks the end of Kindred’s Polish venture, but it is likely just the beginning of a broader restructuring as it seeks growth in more compliant jurisdictions.
