Zakopane Zapped For Betting Ads

Zakopane looks like the first major victim to fall foul of stringent new gambling laws enacted on 1st January, 2010.

The Customs Chamber has launched proceedings over the advertising of French betting company "Bet at home", logos of which were emblazoned on both banners and contestants outfits during the FIS World Ski Jumping Cup in Zakopane last week.

In late 2009, the government was embroiled in a damaging scandal over proposed law changes, with hints of high level corruption.

However, Lech Nadarkiewicz, who organised the Zakopane leg of the World Cup, claims that the event will make a loss if the highlanders are forced to pay the fine. He adds that the contract with the French company was signed before the new laws were enforced, and that the deal was done by middle men. Meanwhile, the Gallic company has professed that the new laws violate EU standards.