Lawyer Felix Hohenthanner characterized Austria's decision to open its online gambling market as a significant development. Hohenthanner, from the law firm Rapani Rechtsanwälte which specializes in regulatory matters, expressed his views during a Tuesday panel titled “DACH in the Driver’s Seat: Austria’s Landmark Shift to a Multi-Licence Market” at the SBC Summit 2026 taking place in Lisbon.
He remarked, “It’s a huge shift for every stakeholder in Austria,” noting that the long-standing monopoly had been established for about 20 years. Alongside OVWG president Simon Priglinger-Simader, Hohenthanner detailed how such a shift seemed unlikely just two to three years ago. Key factors influencing this change include a channelisation rate around 30% and the government’s urgent need for tax revenue during an EU deficit procedure.
However, there is a cautious tone surrounding the excitement. According to the draft law being discussed, licensing applications will commence on January 1, 2027, and licenses are set to be valid starting from October, coinciding with the expiration of Win2Day’s existing license. Hohenthanner referred to the timeline as “very ambitious,” pointing out that some procedural steps have been expedited. The consultation phase lasted only two weeks and attracted over 100 submissions, yet the draft submitted to Brussels remained largely unchanged. A forthcoming submission from Malta could potentially postpone the law’s implementation.
Hohenthanner expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of a live licensing process in the first quarter of 2027, stating, “Personally, I doubt there will be a running licensing process in Q1 2027. But we’ll see.” As a regulatory lawyer, he hopes the timeline remains intact.
Priglinger-Simader shared a balanced perspective on the demand for licenses in Austria’s iGaming market, explaining that his trade association has engaged in numerous discussions with political parties over the past two years. “It could easily be 20 [applications], that’s what the finance ministry is expecting,” he said, before adding that the actual number might fall below ten unless critical issues are resolved.
He identified the inability to deduct player claims refunds from taxation as the most significant concern for potential applicants. Operators who previously offered services in Austria must resolve player claims and tax liabilities, while those still operating after January 1 will face an 18-month waiting period to apply for licenses.
Arthur Stadler, founding partner of Stadler Partners, estimated that the number of applicants may not exceed five to ten. Another area of uncertainty is enforcement, as the regulatory authority responsible for payment and IP blocking has yet to be established. Hohenthanner humorously remarked, “I’d be a magician if I could give you a date” in response to questions about when blocking would commence.
Priglinger-Simader concluded that if 15 operators apply, it would signify success for the regulation. He cautioned that a lack of applications in early 2027 might prompt the government to revisit its approach. Hohenthanner succinctly added, “You only get players into a regulated market if the legal product is attractive.”
