Austria appears closer than ever to opening its iGaming market. After years of resistance to change,
the country now seems ready to reconsider its long-standing online gambling monopoly.
The Ministry of Finance is expected to publish reform proposals soon,
potentially ending the exclusive licence currently held by Win2day, the online brand of Austrian Lotteries.
Since the new three-party coalition (ÖVP, NEOS and SPÖ) took office in March, calls for an open licensing framework have grown stronger.
With the only online gambling licence expiring in 2027, industry stakeholders are eager to see whether
the next tender will finally allow multiple operators. According to the Austrian Betting and Gaming Association, the first draft law could be released shortly.
If the government confirms its intention to liberalise the market, this will start extensive political negotiations.
The goal is to draft a new Gambling Act early next year, enabling a modernised regulatory system by summer.
Opening the market could also bring in additional state revenue, something the government may need given current financial pressures.
Several key decisions remain. How many licences will be available? Will there be a cap on operators? How strict will the requirements be?
Germany’s difficulties with restrictive licence limits serve as a reminder that overly narrow rules can harm
channelisation and push players toward the black market.
Austria must also significantly improve player protection. The current rules are outdated and offer limited governmental oversight.
Stronger measures — such as IP-blocking and payment blocking for illegal sites — are expected to play a major role in any new framework.
Although the timeline is tight and legal challenges are likely, the direction is clear:
Austria is finally moving toward meaningful online gambling reform. For the industry,
this could be a rare opportunity to shift from a closed monopoly to a competitive, well-regulated iGaming environment.
the country now seems ready to reconsider its long-standing online gambling monopoly.
The Ministry of Finance is expected to publish reform proposals soon,
potentially ending the exclusive licence currently held by Win2day, the online brand of Austrian Lotteries.
Since the new three-party coalition (ÖVP, NEOS and SPÖ) took office in March, calls for an open licensing framework have grown stronger.
With the only online gambling licence expiring in 2027, industry stakeholders are eager to see whether
the next tender will finally allow multiple operators. According to the Austrian Betting and Gaming Association, the first draft law could be released shortly.
If the government confirms its intention to liberalise the market, this will start extensive political negotiations.
The goal is to draft a new Gambling Act early next year, enabling a modernised regulatory system by summer.
Opening the market could also bring in additional state revenue, something the government may need given current financial pressures.
Several key decisions remain. How many licences will be available? Will there be a cap on operators? How strict will the requirements be?
Germany’s difficulties with restrictive licence limits serve as a reminder that overly narrow rules can harm
channelisation and push players toward the black market.
Austria must also significantly improve player protection. The current rules are outdated and offer limited governmental oversight.
Stronger measures — such as IP-blocking and payment blocking for illegal sites — are expected to play a major role in any new framework.
Although the timeline is tight and legal challenges are likely, the direction is clear:
Austria is finally moving toward meaningful online gambling reform. For the industry,
this could be a rare opportunity to shift from a closed monopoly to a competitive, well-regulated iGaming environment.
