Austria Plans a Comprehensive Overhaul of Gambling Laws in 2026

For operators, this project presents multiple opportunities, including entering regulated sectors, forming new partnership models, and participating in transparent tenders.

Potential Amendments to the Local Legislation

The key concern associated with the regulatory changes relates to the future of the long-standing system of national concessions, which has grown stronger over the years.

The current market state is the following:

• Casino Austria (CASAG) runs 12 land-based gambling venues;
• Österreichische Lotterien (OL) manages raffles;
• Win2Day is the sole certified iGaming operator (owned by OL).

The 1st company’s current permit is valid until between 2027 and 2030, while the last 2 firms’ licences will expire in autumn 2027. Afterwards, new conditions will need to be agreed upon to keep providing entertainment services nationwide.

With these forthcoming shifts, international brands are showing growing interest in Austria's gambling certificate. However, numerous potential investors are already operating in a shadow zone, either leveraging licences from other EU countries or functioning illegally.

Ownership Overlap Complicates the Situation

The reform is viewed as challenging because of the clash between public and private interests:

1. ÖBAG, a national holding, owns 33% of CASAG, while Allwyn, a Czech firm, controls 59%.
2. ÖLG, another leading state entity, has a major 74% stake in OL and its subdivision Win2Day.
3. ÖLG is entirely managed by CASAG, so Allwyn indirectly influences lottery assets and iGaming shares.

Consequently, any amendments will impact large international corporations. If the authorities decide to end the existing monopoly, numerous operators and suppliers will likely attempt to enter the market.

Increasing Competition in the State

Besides Allwyn, Brightstar, a global company formerly called IGT, is also showing interest in the lottery concession. Marco Tasso, a Board member of the corporation, announced the intention to take part in the forthcoming tender and highlighted the strong potential of the domestic entertainment industry.

Austria’s media also report that Brightstar’s specialists are in discussions with the local Österreichische Post about potential cooperation. The situation is complex because the entity is 53% owned by ÖBAG, which places the 2 state assets on opposite sides of the competition, leaving Allwyn caught in the middle.

The bill is projected to be introduced in the coming weeks, and a revised legislative framework might be implemented in the 1st half of 2026. This draft law could substantially change the industry infrastructure and establish new licensing standards.

Gaminator’s team regularly monitors the situation in the most promising jurisdictions to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary information to build a successful and profitable gambling business.