EGBA Pushes Austria to Reform Gambling Monopoly
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is calling on Austria to ditch its monopoly and switch to a multi-licensing system. With unregulated gambling on the rise, the EGBA says modernising the country’s laws will boost consumer protection, regulatory oversight and tax revenue.
Outdated Monopoly Model in the Spotlight
Austria is one of the last EU member states, alongside Poland, to have a monopoly. The EGBA says this outdated model doesn’t regulate the market, protect consumers or maximise economic benefits. Unregulated offshore gambling platforms are booming and Austrian players are exposed to risks and the government is missing out on tax revenue.
The EGBA has highlighted the black market growth in Austria as the main issue. Many players are circumventing local restrictions by going to offshore operators that don’t comply with regulatory oversight and consumer protection laws. This puts players at risk and costs the state revenue. Analysts estimate that a multi-licensing system could generate an extra €1 billion in tax revenue by 2030.
The association wants Austria to follow the example of countries like Denmark and Sweden that have already moved to a multi-licensing system. Denmark introduced such a model in 2012 and the regulated share of its gambling market went from 72% to 90% in 10 years. These systems have strengthened consumer protection, improved regulatory frameworks and increased tax revenue.
Multi-Licensing Benefits
The EGBA lists several benefits for a multi-licensing system in Austria. Self-exclusion programs and responsible advertising guidelines for players, an independent regulatory body with enforcement powers and a taxation model based on gross gaming revenue to generate more state income and allow licensed operators to compete with offshore unregulated sites.
As Austria’s coalition government is being formed after the September elections, the EGBA is calling on Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Andreas Babler and Beate Meinl-Reisinger to act now. EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer says multi-licensing is a tried and tested way to regulate gambling, protect consumers and boost economic growth. He says Austria has a unique chance to bring its gambling laws in line with European best practices.
