Austria is set to end its longstanding online gaming monopoly, with a new draft law that allows for multiple operators to enter the market beginning in October 2027. Reports indicate that companies will need to prove their compliance history before gaining access to the legal market.
According to the Krone newspaper, a proposed 'cooling off' period may prevent companies that have operated illegally in Austria over the past 18 months from entering the market. This period could extend to 24 months starting in 2030. If implemented, the rule could significantly impact grey market operators who currently take bets under EU licenses. These companies will also need to resolve any unpaid taxes and player claims from prior years.
The Austrian Betting and Gaming Association (OVWG) expressed concern that the proposed regulations could undermine government efforts to regulate the market. Association president Simon Priglinger-Simader noted, 'The federal government wants to bring players into the regulated market, strengthen player protection and secure tax revenues. With cooling off, the opposite happens: tax-paying operators must leave, the black market jumps in, existing revenues collapse and already budgeted additional revenues fail to materialize.' He warned that banning companies before licenses are issued could create a legal market gap.
The development is likely to be positive for Casinos Austria, the current monopoly holder in land-based casinos, as its subsidiary, Austrian Lotteries, holds the sole online gaming license. Casinos Austria, along with Tipico-owned Admiral, has publicly supported a pause on grey market licensing.
In addition to the 'cooling off' period, Austria's three-party coalition has reportedly settled on new staking limits, reducing proposed slot limits from €10 to €5. Potential wins will cap at €10,000, revised from an earlier limit of €2,000, while jackpots remain permitted. There will be a weekly deposit limit of €1,680, with stricter regulations for players under age 26, and game mechanics will be closely monitored with required breaks and limits on play speed.
There are also indications that multiple licenses for land-based casinos could be made available, though not without limit. According to the Krone, 13 land-based casino licenses will be up for grabs in the next tender, which could be awarded individually or in multi-license packages.
