Austria heads towards online casino liberalisation under leaked draft law

Austria could be preparing for one of the biggest gambling market changes in Europe after a leaked draft law revealed plans to open the country’s online casino sector to multiple operators. 

The proposals would end the current monopoly system, which has long restricted online casino licences to a single provider. However, the reforms also introduce strict player protection measures and potentially costly financial requirements for future licensees. 

Austria moves away from monopoly system 

Austria currently allows just one operator to offer online casino gaming through a 15-year licence held by Win2day, a subsidiary of Casinos Austria. Under the leaked draft, that monopoly would end and multiple operators could enter the market through a new regulated licensing framework.  

The Austrian Finance Ministry said the proposed model would help channel players away from the black market while introducing stronger consumer protections. 

While lotteries would remain under a monopoly structure, online casino licences would reportedly be available without a formal cap. Initial licences would last for five years, with the possibility of a 10-year extension.  

Operators could face high entry costs 

Despite the opportunity for international operators, the draft also outlines significant financial hurdles. According to gambling lawyer Arthur Stadler, companies may only qualify for a licence if they settle outstanding Austrian court rulings and pay backdated Austrian taxes linked to previous activity in the market.  

“Operators may only qualify for a licence by settling outstanding Austrian court rulings and paying Austrian taxes—including for the past.” – Arthur Stadler 

The proposed requirements could prove expensive for operators that have historically targeted Austrian customers without local licences. Stadler suggested the costs may effectively limit the number of companies able to enter the market, even without an official licence cap. 

The draft also includes a range of tighter safer gambling measures. Players under 26 would face a weekly deposit limit of €250, while older players would be restricted to €1,680 per week unless they could prove sufficient liquidity.  

Strict player protection measures proposed 

Under the reforms, maximum stakes would be capped at €2 per spin or game, while maximum winnings would fall to €2,000. Jackpot games would also be banned entirely.  

The proposals would additionally introduce mandatory cooling-off periods, requiring players to take a 15-minute break after 90 minutes of continuous play. Austria also plans to introduce a national self-exclusion system alongside continuous monitoring requirements for operators. 

Although the industry has welcomed signs of liberalisation, uncertainty remains over the timeline. Win2day’s licence expires in 2027, but the draft allows for extensions if the licensing process faces delays or legal challenges. An independent gambling regulator may not be established until 2030.