Austria could be on the verge of one of the most significant gambling market changes in its recent history after a leaked draft law outlined plans to replace the country’s long-standing online casino monopoly with a licensing framework that would permit multiple operators to enter the market.
The proposal, prepared by Austria’s Finance Ministry, follows months of delays and political discussions surrounding the future structure of the country’s gambling sector. According to the leaked draft, the government intends to introduce a regulated licensing model that would allow several companies to offer online gambling services to Austrian consumers.
Officials believe the new approach could help reduce the influence of unlicensed operators while strengthening safeguards for players. The draft states that a regulated market with multiple operators would help direct consumers toward legal offerings while maintaining high standards of consumer protection.
Monopoly Model Faces Major Changes
Austria currently operates under a monopoly structure for online gaming and lottery products. The sole licence is held by Win2day, a brand owned by Austrian Lotteries. Austrian Lotteries is itself part of Casinos Austria, which also controls all 12 land-based casino licences in the country.
Under the leaked proposals, the lottery monopoly would remain in place. Online casino gaming, however, would become available through a licensing system with no formal cap on the number of operators that could obtain approval.
Initial licences would be valid for five years, with the possibility of a further ten-year extension.
While many international gambling companies have advocated for market liberalisation, the proposed entry requirements appear demanding. Vienna-based gambling lawyer Arthur Stadler explained that operators would need to satisfy a number of conditions before qualifying for a licence.
“Operators may only qualify for a licence by settling outstanding Austrian court rulings and paying Austrian taxes – including for the past,” Stadler said. “Operators would also be required to hold a minimum share capital of EUR 10 million.”
The draft requires operators to address player claim rulings, resolve any taxation issues connected to previous activities in Austria and maintain significant capital reserves.
Stadler noted that these financial obligations could create substantial barriers for smaller businesses. He described the required amounts as “incredibly high sums” that could effectively limit participation despite the absence of an official licence cap. Even so, he welcomed the removal of the monopoly structure and the possibility of an open licensing framework.
Proposed Rules Tighten Player Controls
The draft law also introduces a series of player protection measures that would reshape how online casino gambling operates in Austria.
Among the most notable changes are new deposit restrictions. Players under the age of 26 would face a weekly deposit limit of €250 per operator. Older customers would be restricted to weekly deposits of €1,680, although higher limits could be approved if players demonstrate sufficient financial resources.
The proposal also lowers wagering thresholds. Maximum stakes would be reduced to €2 per game or spin, significantly below current limits that range between €5 and €10. Winning limits would also be lowered to €2,000, replacing existing caps that can reach €5,000 or €10,000 depending on the product.
Jackpots would no longer be permitted under the proposed rules.
Another key measure would introduce mandatory breaks during play. Customers would be required to stop gambling for 15 minutes after every 90 minutes of continuous activity.
The draft further states that protections already applied within Austria’s land-based gambling sector would be extended to online products. According to the proposal, “This ensures that online gambling is subject to the same high standards of player protection as land-based slot machine gambling.”
Authorities would also implement continuous monitoring requirements and establish a nationwide self-exclusion system overseen by the regulator.
Industry Awaits Clarity on Timing
Although the proposed reforms signal a major shift in policy, the path toward implementation remains uncertain.
Win2day’s existing licence expires in 2027, alongside several land-based concessions currently held by Casinos Austria. However, the draft indicates that current licences could remain in place if legal disputes or delays affect the concessions process.
The establishment of an independent gambling authority may also take several years. The draft suggests such a body could be operational by 2030. Until then, the Ministry of Finance would continue to oversee the licensing process.
Political negotiations are ongoing between Austria’s coalition partners, including the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), the liberal NEOS party and the centre-right ÖVP. Any final version of the legislation must be agreed upon before parliament enters its summer recess in early July.
Industry representatives continue to monitor developments closely. Simon Priglinger-Simader, president of the ÖVWG trade association, said he is “feeling more hopeful than ever” about the direction of the reforms. At the same time, he acknowledged that several “tricky points” still require further discussion before the legislation can move forward.
Source:
Austria heads for online gambling liberalisation as draft law is leaked, iGaming Business, 27 May 2026
