The recent decision to open Austria’s online gambling market has been hailed as significant by industry experts. Lawyer Felix Hohenthanner of Rapani Rechtsanwälte expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "To be honest, it’s huge." Hohenthanner shared these insights following the panel discussion titled "DACH in the Driver's Seat: Austria's Landmark Shift to a Multi-Licence Market" at the SBC Summit 2026 in Lisbon, where he appeared alongside Simon Priglinger-Simader, president of OVWG.
Hohenthanner pointed out that this development marks a major change for all stakeholders in Austria. The country’s gambling monopoly, which has lasted for about 20 years, is set to end. "It’s exciting news for the industry in Austria," he noted, emphasizing the shift in perspective that has occurred over the past few years. According to the experts, a channelisation rate of roughly 30% and the state’s need for increased tax revenue amid an EU deficit procedure are key factors driving this transformation.
However, the panel discussions also echoed a note of caution. Under the proposed legislation, licensing applications are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, with licenses becoming valid starting October 1, when Win2Day’s current exclusive online license lapses. Hohenthanner referred to the timeline as "a very ambitious schedule," as some procedural steps in the drafting process have been expedited.
The consultation period was notably brief, lasting only two weeks, during which over 100 submissions were received. Yet, the draft was forwarded to Brussels largely unchanged. There is now uncertainty regarding a planned submission from Malta, which 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, voicing his hope that the schedule holds, as it would positively impact his work as a regulatory lawyer.
Regarding market demand, Priglinger-Simader is cautious as well. His trade association has engaged with governing parties multiple times over the past two years to gauge interest in licensing. "It could easily be 20 [applications], that’s what the finance ministry is expecting," he said. However, he noted that without addressing essential issues, the number may fall below ten.
One crucial concern is the non-deductibility of player claim refunds from taxable income, which Priglinger-Simader predicts could deter potential applicants. Furthermore, operators who previously worked in Austria will need to settle outstanding player claims and back taxes. Those who continue to operate after January 1 will face an 18-month waiting period before they can apply for new licenses.
On stage, Arthur Stadler, founding partner of Stadler Partners, anticipated a limit of five to ten applicants based on current trends. He underscored the importance of an enforcement structure, which is still under development, as the regulator responsible for implementing payment and IP blocking remains to be established. When asked during the discussion about the timeline for enforcement, Hohenthanner quipped, "I’d be a magician if I could give you a date."
Priglinger-Simader indicated that attracting 15 operators would be seen as a success for the new regulatory framework. If the anticipated applications do not materialize in early 2027, he suggested that the government may need to reconsider its current approach. Hohenthanner succinctly summarized the challenge ahead: "You only get players into a regulated market if the legal product is attractive."
