Austria Plans to Abolish Its Long-Standing iGaming Monopoly: New Reform

Austria’s Gambling Sphere: Current State

Under the existing monopoly model, only 1 certificate is available for lotteries and iGaming. The permit is held by Win2day, Casinos Austria’s division, which also manages 12 ground gambling venues in the country.

The brand’s current licence is valid until 2027. However, under the draft law, it can be extended if certification delays are caused by legal issues or administrative obstacles.

The bill envisions the following amendments:

• the iGaming niche will be open to multiple operators;
• the lottery vertical will remain within the current monopoly framework;
• certificates will be valid for 5 years, with the possibility of a 10-year extension.

Criteria for Potential Licensees

Despite the absence of a formal cap on permits, only large corporations will be able to enter the local gambling market. This restriction is enforced through elevated financial thresholds under the new casino licensing framework.

The draft law sets severe fiscal and legal requirements:

• retroactive payment of taxes;
• a minimum share capital of €10 million;
• settlement of all court rulings in the country.

Measures Against Ludomania

To mitigate the risk of gambling addiction, the bill establishes strict restrictions for players:

1. Deposit caps are €250 per week for users under 26 and €1,680 for those over 26, with increases granted only upon demonstrating sufficient liquidity.
2. Gameplay thresholds include the maximum wager of €2 per round and the largest possible reward of €2,000 per session. Jackpot prizes are entirely prohibited.
3. Time limits require an obligatory 15-minute break for punters after every 90 minutes of continuous play to promote healthy gambling habits.

Furthermore, a centralised monitoring system will be launched, and all licensed portals will be linked to a national self-exclusion registry.

Updated Regulations Amid the Current Political Climate

The establishment of an independent iGaming authority is unlikely to be finished before 2030. Until then, BMF will continue to handle oversight duties and gambling certification.

The Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) initially aimed to reinforce the monopoly, but shifted its stance due to the coalition’s objections. Currently, the project is under debate among the ruling parties, including NEOS and ÖVP. The final parliamentary vote was planned for July, just before the summer holidays.

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