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Austria has sent a draft gambling reform to the European Commission, starting a three-month review before lawmakers can enact the new rules. The plan would replace the single online casino licence with an open licensing system under strict entry conditions.
Good to Know
- Online casino operators could enter Austria through a multi-licence framework.
- Players aged under 26 would face lower weekly deposit limits.
- Unlicensed operators must leave Austria by January 1, 2027, to avoid a licensing delay.
Austria Links Market Access to Past Compliance
The reform would let online casino companies apply for Austrian licences, but current operators face a difficult route into the regulated market.
Companies active without an Austrian licence must stop serving local customers by January 1, 2027, to qualify for immediate consideration. Those that remain active would wait 18 months before applying, with the delay rising to 24 months from 2030.
Applicants would also need to settle unpaid Austrian taxes and outstanding player claims. Around 20,000 customers reportedly have claims linked to gambling losses with operators that lacked local permission.
Austria currently grants one online casino licence through Win2Day. The existing concession expires in 2027, while legal analysis indicates transitional extensions could delay the multi-licence market until around 2029.
The Austrian Betting and Gaming Association has welcomed open licensing in principle but warned that heavy product limits and high entry costs could leave regulated operators unable to compete with unlicensed sites.
Central Limits Would Cover Multiple Gambling Products
A national exclusion register would connect online casino accounts, land-based casinos and slot machines. A player blocked by one operator could no longer switch to another licensed product.
The draft also sets weekly online deposit limits of €250 for players aged 18 to 25 and €1,680 for older customers. Players over 26 could request a higher limit after proving sufficient funds.
Online casino stakes would carry a €2 maximum, with winnings capped at €2,000. Jackpots would be banned, game speed would slow and players would take a 15-minute break after 90 minutes of continuous play.
Operators would monitor player behaviour and assess the addiction risk linked to their products. The data could support regulatory research and future gambling harm policy.
Austria also plans an operator-independent deposit control platform. Payment blocking, blacklists, internet restrictions and test purchases would target companies serving Austrian users without approval.
The Ministry of Finance previously estimated that only about 45% of online play reaches the legal market. The government wants the new licensing and enforcement system to lift that rate toward 80%.
Land-based casino licensing would also change. The draft allows no more than 13 licences, which authorities could allocate in packages while considering regional coverage and competition levels.
FAQ
Why Did Austria Notify the European Commission?
EU rules require Austria to submit draft technical regulations before adoption. The Commission and other member states can review possible single-market issues during the standstill period.
Will Austria End the Online Casino Monopoly?
The draft would replace the single online casino concession with a multi-licence system, while the national lottery would remain under one licence.
What Is the Deposit Limit for Younger Players?
Customers aged under 26 would face a weekly deposit limit of €250 across covered online gambling products.
When Could New Austrian Online Casino Licences Begin?
Current concessions expire in 2027, but transitional extensions could place the new licensing system closer to 2029.
How Will Austria Block Unlicensed Gambling Sites?
Planned tools include payment restrictions, blacklists, network blocking, test purchases and stronger supervisory powers.
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