Austria Considers Licensing System for Online Gambling

Austria may soon open its online gambling market to multiple operators, marking the end of the country’s long-standing monopoly held by Casinos Austria. The government is reportedly considering a licensing system that would, for the first time, allow several companies to operate legally in the Austrian online gaming sector.

Up to 30 Potential Applicants

According to a survey conducted by the Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG), as many as 20 to 30 companies could apply for online gambling licenses under the new regulatory framework. These are expected to include major international operators such as Bwin and Tipico, both of which already hold licenses in several other European markets.

In comparison to other EU countries, this number would be around the European average. Germany, for instance, has issued 38 online gaming licenses spread across 30 companies, while Denmark has approved roughly the same number of operators.

Economic Benefits and Regulatory Goals

The reform aims to boost tax revenues, strengthen player protection, and curb the country’s unregulated black market. Experience from other European countries shows that liberalized markets lead to higher tax income and more effective responsible gambling measures.

Studies suggest that Austria could generate up to €1.4 billion in additional tax revenues by 2031 through the introduction of a licensing model – several times more than under the current monopoly.

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Transition in Europe

If the reform proceeds, Austria and Poland would be the last EU countries to move away from a full gambling monopoly. Finland has already passed legislation to transition to a license-based system, which is expected to take effect in 2026.

In Austria, the ruling coalition parties – ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS – are expected to begin formal talks on gambling reform at the federal level before the end of this year. While the exact framework remains undecided, discussions could include a limited number of licenses or a phased end to the current monopoly model.