Austria Weighs New Casino Tender Rules as Industry Pushes to End Gambling Monopoly

Austria’s Ministry of Finance is drawing up a draft law to underpin a new casino tender process in the coming months, pledging “uniform player protection standards” even as gambling operators renew their calls for the country’s long-standing monopoly model to be scrapped. The ministry has confirmed it is preparing the legislative framework ahead of the renewal of the current monopoly tender in 2027, a moment many in the sector see as pivotal for the future of Austria’s gambling market.

When contacted, the Finance Ministry declined to be drawn on whether it plans to abandon the monopoly system, but a spokesperson said work was under way on a draft that would shape the next tender. The proposal, the spokesperson explained, will establish “uniform player protection standards” across both online and land-based gambling, introduce “age-dependent loss-limits,” and provide for the creation of an independent gambling authority. It also outlines tougher action against unlicensed operators, including payment blocking, domain blocking and the imposition of large financial penalties.

The ministry’s move follows a turbulent period in which a leaked draft of proposed gambling “reforms” emerged in December, appearing to favour the continuation of the monopoly alongside a heavy crackdown on so-called “illegal” online providers. That document suggested measures such as payment blocking, domain blocking, undercover “test plays” by regulators and stricter advertising limits for foreign casinos. After the proposals sparked widespread criticism, the government quickly backtracked, saying the leaked draft would be amended.

Hints of possible change had already surfaced last year, when Austria’s three-party coalition hinted that the monopoly might not remain untouched, cryptically promising a “further development” of the gambling monopoly in their February coalition agreement. With the existing monopoly tender expiring next year, many see that timing as another signal that the legacy system could be in flux.

Under the current framework, Austria issues just one licence for lotteries and online gaming, a 15-year permit held by Austrian Lotteries’ Win2day brand, which is a subsidiary of Casinos Austria. The same group also controls all 12 of the country’s land-based casino licences, while Austria’s state holding company, ÖBAG, owns a 33% stake in Casinos Austria. Austrian attorney Arthur Stadler said in November that six of the 12 existing 15-year national offline casino licences, along with the single online gambling licence, are due to expire in 2027, while the remaining six land-based licences “will expire in 2030”.

As the debate intensifies, operators say the stakes could hardly be higher, with the future of the sector hinging on whether a crackdown on unlicensed operators comes alongside, or instead of, a move toward a multi-licence system. Depending on how party negotiations unfold, the industry could face anything from what it describes as a “worst-case” to a “best-case” outcome. The bleakest scenario, according to critics, would mirror the Finance Ministry’s leaked December blueprint: a continued monopoly coupled with far harsher enforcement against black- and grey-market operators. Simon Priglinger-Simader, president of Austria’s trade body OVWG, warns that such an approach could backfire fiscally. “Payment blocking should only come after licensing,” he said. “Otherwise, you don’t get what you need from a budget perspective.”

By contrast, in what the industry views as the most favourable outcome, Austria would fully open its market, with the OVWG predicting a landscape resembling Germany’s, where roughly 30 licensees operate. Those companies would be overseen by an independent gambling authority, which the government aims to establish by 2029.

Industry leaders continue to argue that the existing monopoly is driving players toward unregulated sites. Monika Racek, chief executive of Austrian operator Admiral, said that the lack of choice is pushing customers into the shadows. “The monopoly is leading to an ever-growing black market where players enjoy no protection whatsoever,” Racek says. “There are no player bans, no limits and no control. The state turns a blind eye and loses not only tax revenue but, above all, control over player protection.” Citing the wave of liberalisation across Europe, she urged Austria to replace what she called its “backward” system with a multi-licence regime. “The solution is obvious,” she adds. “A sustainable and competitive framework means opening up the market to several licensed providers under clear and strict conditions.”

Global operator Entain echoed that view, saying that it supports a more open approach. “We believe it is in the best interests of all parties – most importantly for customers and the general public – that Austria adopts an open licensing system,” the company said.

By fLEXI tEAM