Austria Publishes Draft Conditions for Online Gambling Reform

VIENNA: Austria has opened public consultation on draft online gambling reforms that would end the country’s current monopoly structure.

The proposal sets out licensing, player protection and enforcement rules for a regulated multi-operator market targeted for launch in October 2027.

The consultation follows Austria’s earlier move toward a multi-licence online gambling market. Stakeholders have until July 15, 2026, to submit feedback on the proposed framework.

Draft Rules Set Licence Conditions

Under the draft framework, private operators would be able to apply for online gambling licences if they meet financial, governance and compliance requirements. Applicants would need a supervisory board, effective anti-money laundering controls, player protection systems and at least €10 million in share capital.

The proposed share capital threshold would place Austria among the stricter European markets for online gambling applicants. Operators would also need to pay a €70,000 licence fee under the draft rules.

The proposal includes a cooling-off period for operators already serving the Austrian market. Applicants would have to cease previous offerings in Austria by January 1, 2027, until a licence is granted. Operators that continue to offer products after that date could be barred from receiving a licence for 18 months.

The waiting period would become stricter from January 1, 2030, when noncompliant operators could face a 24-month delay before being allowed to receive a licence. The rules also require applicants to resolve tax debts and outstanding player protection claims before entering the licensed market.

Player Protection Measures Proposed

The draft sets deposit limits by age. Players aged 18 to 26 would be subject to a weekly deposit cap of €250, while players aged 26 and older would have a monthly deposit cap of €1,680.

Higher deposit limits could be approved on a case-by-case basis for players aged 23 and older. The draft also proposes a €5 stake limit for online play, a €10,000 total win cap and a minimum two-second duration for each spin.

Players would also face a cooling-off break after 90 minutes of play. At the same time, the draft would lift the current ban on jackpot features.

A central self-exclusion register is also proposed across gambling products, except lotteries. The measure would form part of a wider player protection framework designed to bring online gambling under clearer national controls.

Blocking Powers Target Illegal Operators

The draft gives authorities stronger tools to act against illegal operators. Those powers would include payment blocking, blacklisting IBANs and ordering payment providers to stop gambling-related transfers linked to unlicensed activity.

The proposal also includes IP blocking measures involving major internet infrastructure providers. The goal is to make it harder for unlicensed gambling sites to continue serving Austrian customers once the new regime is in place.

The Austrian People’s Party finance spokesperson Andreas Ottenschläger said the reform would create more competition, legal certainty and fair market conditions. He said opening the online market would end outdated monopoly structures while strengthening action against illegal providers.

SPÖ finance spokesperson Jan Krainer said the reform was long overdue. He said the proposal seeks to balance competing interests while improving player protection and bringing order to an online market that had become increasingly unclear.

The draft still has to move through consultation and the legislative process before any new market structure takes effect. If adopted, the framework would represent Austria’s biggest gambling reform in more than two decades and one of Europe’s more closely controlled online gambling openings.

RELATED TOPICS: Regulation