Austria: OVWG Advises Reforms Following Supreme Court Ruling

The Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG) has appealed for gambling reforms amid an increase in gambling-related lawsuits. According to the organization, the recent Supreme Court decision underscores a need for better and more precise gambling regulation.

The OVWG Advised Reforms

In August, Austria’s Supreme Court ruled that local players can sue online gambling operators they’ve lost money to before the companies in question had secured a license. This could potentially result in a wave of lawsuits from disgruntled players who have lost money to such operators.

However, the court’s decision also means that operators can try to reclaim winnings they had paid out before they received a license in Austria.

The OVWG has reflected on the court’s decision, saying that the whole matter highlights the shortcomings of the current regulatory framework. According to the association, urgent reforms are needed.

Austria Is Lagging Behind in Terms of Regulation

Claus Retschitzegger, president of the association, said that the recent court ruling has effectively exposed a clear weakness in the current gambling law. He said that it could possibly create a “legal vacuum for consumers.”

Because of that, Retschitzegger and the OVWG demanded clearer regulations that avoid conflict situations. The OVWG further emphasized the importance of proper regulation to customer safety and the integrity of the entire industry.

President Retschitzegger suggested that Austria is lagging behind the rest of the European Union in terms of gambling regulation and advised action. However, he advised against hasty decisions, instead promoting healthy dialogue that involves all interested parties.

Only through a modern and comprehensive reform can we ensure that the Austrian gambling market no longer lags behind developments in the EU and that both players and providers can operate in a safe and transparent environment.

Claus Retschitzegger, president, OVWG

Bet-at-Home Had to Repay a Player’s Losses

For context, one of the most recent cases of an operator reimbursing a player happened several weeks ago when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a plaintiff, who filed a lawsuit against bet-at-home over multi-million-dollar losses.

The gambling operator was thus forced to pay back roughly $3.1 million to the player in question, who had overspent because of gambling addiction.