Austria is considering a major change to its gambling sector, potentially ending the country’s long-standing online casino monopoly. A leaked draft law from the Finance Ministry proposes a licensing system that would permit multiple operators to offer online gambling services, a shift intended to draw players toward regulated platforms while maintaining strict consumer protections.

Monopoly Model and Licensing Framework

Currently, Austria’s online gaming and lottery operations are monopolized. The single licence is held by Win2day, a brand of Austrian Lotteries, which itself is part of Casinos Austria. This organisation also controls all 12 land-based casino licences in the country. Under the proposed framework, the lottery monopoly would remain, but online casino access would be open to an uncapped number of operators. Initial licences would last five years with an option to extend for ten more.

Entry into the new market would come with significant requirements. Arthur Stadler, a Vienna-based gambling lawyer, stated: “Operators may only qualify for a licence by settling outstanding Austrian court rulings and paying Austrian taxes – including for the past. Operators would also be required to hold a minimum share capital of EUR 10 million.”

These conditions are intended toensure financial stability but could also limit participation by smaller companies.

Player Protection Measures

The draft outlines rigorous player protection measures. Players under 26 would face a weekly deposit limit of €250 per operator, while older players would have a ceiling of €1,680, which could be adjusted for those demonstrating sufficient financial resources. Wagering limits would be reduced to €2 per game or spin, with maximum winnings capped at €2,000 and jackpots banned.

In addition, mandatory breaks of 15 minutes would be required after 90 minutes of continuous play. Protections already applied in land-based gambling, including speed-of-play safeguards, would extend to online platforms, and operators would be subject to continuous monitoring and a national self-exclusion system.

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Political and Industry Outlook

Despite the potential benefits of a liberalised market, uncertainties remain. Win2day’s licence expires in 2027, and the creation of an independent gambling authority might not occur until 2030. Until then, the Ministry of Finance would continue oversight of licensing. Political negotiations among the coalition partners—the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the liberal NEOS—will determine final provisions. Simon Priglinger-Simader, president of the ÖVWG trade association, noted he is “feeling more hopeful than ever” about the reforms, while acknowledging that several “tricky points” remain to be resolved.

The draft law also faces scrutiny regarding its strict responsible gambling rules. Some industry representatives suggest that rigid deposit and wagering limits could hinder the channelisation of players from unlicensed operators. Christian Rapani, an attorney at Rapani Rechtsanwälte, highlighted balance, safety and market attractiveness that policymakers may adjust these conditions to, learning from Germany’s experience where overly restrictive rules limited migration to legal platforms.

If passed, the reform could position Austria among Europe’s more open and regulated online gambling markets, attracting both domestic and international operators while aiming to reduce the influence of the black market.

Source:

Austria Draft Law Opens Door to Online Casino Competition, casinonewsdaily.com, May 29, 2026.