Gambling Scandal Causes Poland's Sports Minister Resignation

Poland has now become the latest country that is being rocked by a political scandal involving gambling. Sports Minister Miroslaw Drzewiecki resigned Monday in the midst of allegations of illegal lobbying activity.

Poland lawmakers have been trying to raise the taxes on casinos in order to fund the EURO 2012 football championship. Poland will be co-hosting the championships along with the Ukraine, and many in government believed they needed additional funds for the event.

Drzewiecki originally voted in favor of the higher taxes, but has since backed off of that stance. Taped conversations have casino lobbyists claiming that they would receive help from the now-former sports minister. Still, he proclaimed his innocence after stepping down.

"I believe that when the media frenzy dies down and all the circumstances relating to the gambling bill have been clarified, it will turn out that I have been falsely accused," said Drzewiecki. He also said that once the investigation is complete, that he may return to his office.

The allegations against Drzewiecki stem from taped telephone conversations in which another lawmaker, Zbigniew Chlebowski, was heard having a conversation with a prominent gaming lobbyist. In the calls, the lobbyist was heard telling the lawmaker that the casino tax plan had to be blocked and that Drzewiecki could help in the matter.

October 5, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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