Austria Prepares to End Its Gambling Monopoly and Introduce a New Regulatory Framework
Austria Set to Liberalize Its Online Casino Market
Austria is gearing up to transform its gambling landscape by ending the longstanding state monopoly on online casinos by the close of 2025. Although the final decision is still pending, there is growing optimism that private operators will soon be allowed to enter the market under a revamped regulatory system.
Transition Away from Monopoly to a More Open Market
The exclusive control held by Casinos Austria is expected to be replaced by a more open and competitive environment. Key political parties in Austria, including the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos, are currently considering the details of this change. This new direction aims to strengthen the regulated sector and enhance market fairness.
The Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (known by its German acronym OVWG), which represents major international gambling companies like bet365, LeoVegas, Entain, and Merkur, is eager to participate in Austria’s emerging market. These companies are positioning themselves to enter as soon as regulations allow.
Economic Benefits and Market Potential
Legalizing and regulating private online casino operators could provide significant financial advantages for Austria. Estimates by the OVWG suggest that the country stands to gain up to EUR 1.4 billion in tax revenues by 2031—surpassing the current state casino revenue.
The number of licenses issued will shape the market’s competitiveness. OVWG anticipates that granting around 30 licenses could foster a healthy, competitive environment capable of reclaiming players currently using offshore platforms.
Opportunities for Existing Sports Betting Companies
Existing sports betting operators such as Bwin and Tipco, which already have a presence in Austria, may benefit from an early entry into the newly regulated online casino market. However, the exact timeline for rolling out non-state-controlled online casino licenses remains uncertain.
Following International Trends in Gambling Regulation
Austria’s move to dismantle the state monopoly mirrors a broader international recognition that monopolies are ineffective at curbing offshore gambling. The new framework aims to ensure that online casino activities are conducted within a transparent and regulated environment.
