Austria is moving closer to opening its online casino market to multiple operators after a leaked draft law proposed ending the country’s monopoly model for online gambling.
The draft, obtained by iGB, says that “several providers” could be allowed to offer online gambling in Austria under a strictly regulated licensing system. The move would mark a major shift from the current framework, where the Austrian Lotteries Win2day brand holds the sole licence for lotteries and online gaming products.
Under the draft, lottery products would remain under monopoly control, while online casino licences would be opened to an uncapped number of operators. Licences would initially run for five years, with the possibility of a 10-year extension. The proposed opening is likely to attract international operator interest, but the entry conditions could be demanding.
Arthur Stadler, a Vienna-based gambling lawyer, told iGB that operators may only qualify if they settle outstanding Austrian court rulings and pay Austrian taxes, including for past activity. Applicants would also need minimum share capital of €10m (US$10.8m). These requirements could create a de facto ‘cap’ by making the regime difficult for smaller operators to access.
The draft also includes extensive player protection measures. Players under 26 would face a weekly deposit limit of €250 ($270), while older players would be limited to €1,680 ($1,815) per week unless they can prove sufficient liquidity. Stakes would be capped at €2 ($2.16) per spin or game, while maximum winnings would fall to €2,000 ($2,160). Jackpots would be banned.
The proposals also include mandatory breaks, requiring online players to take a 15-minute time-out after 90 minutes of continuous play. Online gambling would be subject to continuous monitoring and linked to a national self-exclusion system run through the regulator.
Austria’s current online licence is due to expire in 2027, alongside several land-based concessions held by Casinos Austria. However, the draft suggests existing licences could be extended if the concessions process is delayed by legal challenges or administrative issues. An independent gambling authority may not be established until 2030, meaning the Ministry of Finance could initially grant the new concessions.
The draft remains subject to negotiation between Austria’s governing coalition parties, the SPÖ, NEOS and ÖVP. Any final changes would need to be agreed in time for a parliamentary vote before the summer recess in early July.
For international operators, Austria’s liberalisation would open one of Europe’s last monopoly online casino markets. However, the combination of backdated tax obligations, player claim settlements and strict operating limits means access may be far from straightforward.
