Goodbye, Monopoly: Austria Plans to Bring Forward Multiple-Licensing Plan

Austria is preparing one of the most significant reforms to its gambling industry in decades, with a new draft law paving the way for a regulated multi-operator online casino market. 

The proposal, developed by the Austrian Finance Ministry, shows a clear shift from the country’s old monopoly model with the introduction of a licensing framework that would allow several companies to operate legally in the online space.

Monopoly for Lotteries, Multiple Licenses for Casinos

According to a leaked draft obtained by iGB, “several providers will be able to offer online gambling in Austria in future” under a “strictly regulated licensing system”. 

The ministry says the goal is to channel players away from illegal platforms while ensuring “the highest possible standards of player protection”.

At present, Austria’s online gambling sector is controlled by a single license held by Austrian Lotteries through its Win2day brand, which also operates under Casinos Austria. 

Under the new proposal, lotteries would remain a monopoly, but online casino licenses would be opened up to multiple operators for the first time, initially for five years with the option of a longer extension.

However, entry into the market could come at a steep price, as operators may be required to settle outstanding legal rulings and pay back taxes for previous activity in Austria, a condition experts say could limit participation to larger international companies.

The draft would also introduces strict consumer protection rules, with highlights including weekly deposit caps of EUR 250 ($290) for players under the age of 26 and EUR 1,680 ($1,949) for older users, along with tight betting limits of EUR 2 ($2,32) per spin or game. 

Moreover, maximum winnings would also be reduced, and jackpot games would be banned entirely. Mandatory cooling-off periods after extended play sessions are also included in the draft.

“More Hopeful Than Ever”

Industry observers believe that, while the reforms may be strict, they are an essential step toward market liberalization. 

The current monopoly license will expire in 2027, but delays and legal challenges could further prolong the transition period, with a full regulatory authority not expected until around 2030.

Simon Priglinger Simader, president of the ÖVWG trade association, described sentiment as “feeling more hopeful than ever”, although he acknowledged that several key details still need to be resolved.

For now, the country’s gambling sector appears to be entering a long and carefully controlled transition phase, balancing market opening with some of the strictest consumer protection rules in Europe.