Austria Plans Major Reform of Online Gambling Market
Austria’s coalition government has confirmed plans to open the country’s online gambling market to private operators as part of a major reform of national gambling laws.
The new system will replace the current monopoly held by Casinos Austria and its win2day brand. Private companies will be able to apply for licences if they meet requirements covering anti-money laundering controls, player protection and minimum share capital of €10 million.
ÖVP finance spokesperson Andreas Ottenschläger argued:
Opening up the online market ends outdated monopoly structures, creates new investment incentives, and strengthens Austria as a business location.
Operators currently offering unlicensed online gambling must stop these services from January 1, 2027. Those following the rules could become eligible for licences from September 30, 2027.
The reform also introduces stronger measures against illegal gambling. Banks and payment providers will be required to block payments linked to illegal operators, while the government is also considering website blocking.
Player protection will be another major part of the new rules. Austria plans to create a central self-exclusion register and introduce deposit limits.
Players aged 18 to 26 will face a maximum deposit of €250 per week, while players over 26 will have a monthly limit of €1,680.
The government also plans to reduce maximum online slot stakes to €5 and introduce mandatory breaks after 90 minutes of play.
The draft law has now opened for public consultation.
