BMF, Austria’s Ministry of Finance, has prepared a bill to abandon the long-standing web casino monopoly and transition to an open market with multiple operators. The proposed changes aim to reduce illegal platforms by developing a regulated environment with enhanced user protection measures.
Current Situation in the National Industry
Under the present system, only 1 permit for lotteries and iGaming is available. Its holder is Casinos Austria’s subsidiary, Win2day. The company also operates 12 land-based gambling halls in the state.
The firm’s current certification expires in 2027. Nevertheless, the bill allows for its extension if licensing delays are due to legal hurdles or administrative proceedings.
Key changes under the draft law:
- The lottery sector will remain within the existing monopoly model.
- The iGaming segment will be open to an unlimited number of brands.
- Each permit will be valid for 5 years, with an option for a 10-year extension.
Requirements for Prospective Operators
Despite the lack of formal quotas for the issued documents, only large gambling companies will be able to debut in the country. It is ensured by high market-entry thresholds under the new Austrian casino licence.
The bill establishes strict financial and legal filters:
- retroactive payment of taxes;
- a min authorised capital of €10 million;
- settlement of all court decisions nationwide.
Measures Ensuring Player Protection
The draft law introduces rigorous limits for users to reduce the risk of ludomania:
- Deposit ceilings. For customers aged under and over 26, the thresholds are €250 and €1,680 per week, respectively. Increasing this cap is only possible upon proof of sufficient liquidity.
- Gameplay curbs. The maximum bet cannot exceed €2 per round, and winnings per session are established at no more than €2,000. Jackpot offerings are completely banned.
- Time restrictions. After 90 minutes of continuous activity, the operator must ensure a mandatory 15-minute break for participants. Gamblers need to switch their attention periodically to maintain healthy play.
Additionally, a unified monitoring system will be implemented. On top of that, all certified platforms will be connected to a national registry of user self-exclusion.
New Regulations Amid Political Context
The foundation of an independent iGaming authority will hardly be completed until 2030. In the meantime, supervisory functions and gambling licensing oversight will remain with BMF.
Initially, the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) planned to strengthen the monopoly, but changed its position due to objections from the coalition. The project is now under discussion among the ruling factions, including NEOS and ÖVP. The final parliamentary vote was scheduled for July, before the summer holidays.
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