Austria is preparing significant changes to its online gambling market. The government is considering ending the long-standing monopoly of the state operator and introducing a licensing system for private companies. The aim is to create a more open, competitive, and transparent market. Currently, only one state-backed operator controls online casinos, operating under a license valid until 2027. This model limits competition and leaves some players outside effective oversight, which can lead to the growth of unlicensed platforms. Opening the market to private operators will expand options for users and attract new investments.
Preliminary plans suggest that the new system could issue between 20 and 30 licenses to both local and international companies. This move is expected to boost competition and increase government tax revenue, which experts estimate could reach €1.4 billion by 2031.
Additionally, the government plans to establish an independent regulator to oversee all operators. Unlike the current system, where the Ministry of Finance both regulates the market and partially owns the state operator, the new agency will reduce conflicts of interest and ensure impartial supervision.
For businesses, the reform introduces several challenges: operators will be required to implement effective player protection mechanisms, set deposit and betting limits, verify user identities, and comply with anti-money laundering standards. For players, it promises a wider choice of platforms and a safer gaming experience.
However, a final decision has not yet been made. The current state operator will maintain its monopoly until the end of its license, while the government gradually rolls out the new system. Experts believe that opening the market could become a key step in modernizing Austria’s gambling industry and may serve as a model for other European countries aiming to balance business growth with player protection and regulatory oversight.
Austria’s move reflects a broader trend across Europe, where governments are seeking ways to regulate gambling more effectively while fostering a competitive market environment. By combining stricter controls with increased opportunities for private operators, the country hopes to secure a transparent and sustainable online gaming sector.
