Austria’s government has begun preparations for amendments to national gambling legislation. The initiative aims to end the current state monopoly and grant access to the online casino market for local and foreign investors.
About the New Reform
An ultimate decision on transforming the gaming vertical has not yet been made, but industry representatives expect a final statement by the end of 2025.
The following parties are engaged in the review process:
- Sozialdemokratische Partei Österreichs (SPÖ);
- Österreichische Volkspartei (ÖVP);
- Neos.
Currently, the gambling sphere in the country is represented by the national corporation Casinos Austria. OVWG, a local wagering and gaming union, has expressed the greatest interest in dismantling this monopoly.
The organisation includes major European and international companies, such as:
- Entain;
- bet365;
- Merkur;
- LeoVegas.
OVWG’s members are confident that opening the gambling vertical will bring significant benefits to the state. One of these advantages is the prospect of increasing tax revenues to €1.4 billion by 2031.
Austrian Market After Restructuring
The government has not yet reached a consensus on the number of operators to be represented in the country. Currently, 30 licences are being discussed. According to niche experts, this decision would create a stable and competitive environment and significantly reduce the position of offshore platforms.
Brands that already work in the country, but in other segments, will enjoy first-mover advantages. For instance, Tipco and Bwin may quickly increase their popularity.
The nation is currently following the example of Germany, which successfully granted access to private entrepreneurs. A state monopoly is an outdated regulatory model. It is evidenced by the experience of Norway, where the gaming offering is represented only by products from the Norsk Tippin group.
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