The Austrian government has approved a comprehensive reform of gambling legislation, marking the largest regulatory overhaul in 26 years. The new framework eliminates the state monopoly held by Casinos Austria and introduces an open licensing system for online gambling operators.
Licensing Requirements and Market Transition
Companies seeking an online gambling license must demonstrate a minimum capital of €10 million alongside functioning anti-money laundering procedures and player safety protocols. Operators currently functioning without a domestic license will be required to suspend their activities by January 1, 2027, pending the completion of the licensing process.Regulatory Controls and Player Safeguards
Authorities plan to implement stricter controls against unlicensed platforms. Financial institutions will be mandated to block transactions directed at unauthorized operators, while Visa and PayPal must terminate their services for these entities. Additionally, website restrictions will be enforced through cloud providers and search engines.The legislation also introduces mandatory player safeguards, including a centralized self-exclusion registry, a 90-minute play session limit, and a minimum two-second interval between slot spins. Deposit caps will be set at €250 per week for players aged 18 to 26 and €1,680 per month for those over 26. The maximum stake on slot machines will be reduced to €5.
To improve the competitiveness of the regulated sector, the government intends to remove the existing ban on jackpot prizes. The proposed legislation is currently undergoing public consultation.