Lawyer Felix Hohenthanner described Austria's decision to open its online gambling market as a significant development, stating, "To be honest, it’s huge." Hohenthanner, who is part of Rapani Rechtsanwälte and provides guidance on regulatory issues, shared his insights alongside OVWG president Simon Priglinger-Simader after a panel discussion titled "DACH in the Driver’s Seat: Austria’s Landmark Shift to a Multi-Licence Market" at the SBC Summit 2026 held in Lisbon on Tuesday.
Hohenthanner emphasized the monumental nature of this change for stakeholders in Austria, noting that the existing monopoly had been in place for approximately two decades. "It’s exciting news for the industry in Austria," he said.
Reflecting on the shifts leading up to this moment, both Hohenthanner and Priglinger-Simader indicated that just two or three years prior, such changes appeared unlikely. They cited a channelisation rate of around 30% and the government's need for increased tax revenue amid an EU deficit as motivating factors for this decision.
Despite the enthusiasm, the panel also expressed caution. The draft law stipulates that licensing applications will commence on January 1, 2027, with licenses becoming valid on October 1, the same day Win2Day’s exclusive online license expires. Hohenthanner described this timeline as "a very ambitious schedule," pointing out that some procedural aspects have been expedited.
The consultation process for the draft law lasted merely two weeks and generated over 100 submissions, yet it was sent to Brussels with little modification. Additionally, a planned submission from Malta could potentially delay the law's implementation.
"Personally, I doubt there will be a running licensing process in Q1 2027. But we’ll see," Hohenthanner remarked. When asked if he hopes the timeline holds, he replied, "I really hope so, as a regulatory lawyer."
Priglinger-Simader had tempered expectations regarding the demand in Austria’s iGaming market. His trade association has conducted several discussions with government parties in recent years.
"It could easily be 20 [applications], that’s what the finance ministry is expecting, and what they told us," he said. However, he warned that it might yield fewer than 10 applications if key issues remain unresolved. He pointed out that the inability to deduct player claims refunds from the tax basis could deter potential applicants.
Operators previously active in Austria are also required to resolve player claims and back taxes. Those who continue to offer services after January 1 will face an 18-month waiting period before they can apply for a license.
Arthur Stadler, founding partner of Stadler Partners, estimated that the number of applicants would likely be between five and ten.
The enforcement of regulation remains uncertain, as the regulatory body tasked with implementing payment and IP blocking has yet to be established. In response to a question about when blocking would begin, Hohenthanner humorously replied, "I’d be a magician if I could give you a date."
Priglinger-Simader conveyed that securing participation from 15 operators would be considered a success for the new regulations. However, he warned that if no applications materialize by early 2027, the government may need to make strategic adjustments.
Hohenthanner succinctly stated, "You only get players into a regulated market if the legal product is attractive."
