Austria is moving toward a major change in online casino regulation, with draft legislation pointing to a multi-licensing system. The reform would replace the country’s long-running single-operator model for online casino games.
The draft was prepared by the Austrian Ministry of Finance and reported after months of delays. If adopted, it would open the online casino market to several approved operators.
Current model gives one online licence
Austria’s current system allows only one licence for lotteries and online gaming products. That licence is held by Austrian Lotteries through Win2day, while Casinos Austria also holds the country’s 12 land-based casino licences.
The monopoly has been criticised by parts of the industry for years. Operators and trade groups have argued that Austria’s current model leaves too much online gambling activity outside the regulated market.
The draft would keep lotteries under a monopoly structure. Online casino, however, would move to a system where multiple companies could apply for approval.
New licences would carry strict rules
The proposed online casino licences would initially run for five years. Operators could then receive a further 10-year extension if they meet the required conditions.
The draft also points to tough entry requirements. Operators may need to settle outstanding Austrian court rulings, pay past taxes and show minimum share capital of €10 million.
Those conditions could limit how many companies enter the market. Larger international operators would be better placed to meet the financial and legal requirements than smaller brands.
Player protection limits included
The draft includes new player protection rules, including deposit and staking limits. Players under 26 would face a proposed weekly deposit cap of €250 per operator.
Older players would face a weekly deposit cap of €1,680, although higher limits could be possible if they show enough funds. The rules show Austria is looking to open the market while keeping strict consumer safeguards.
Player protection has been one of the main arguments for reform. A licensed multi-operator market would give the state more control over customer checks, advertising and safer gambling tools.
Licence timing remains important
Austria’s current gambling framework is tied to long licence periods, which makes the timing of any reform important. A shift to multi-licensing would need to be matched with application rules, tax terms and enforcement measures.
The draft also leaves questions for operators already active in Austria through offshore or EU-facing models. Any new system could require them to meet local approval standards before offering online casino games to Austrian players.
