New Austrian gambling legislation set for 2026

Austria is on the verge of a major transformation in its gambling sector, as the governing coalition prepares to introduce new legislation before the close of 2025. The Austria Press Agency (APA) has reported that the coalition, comprising the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), and the liberal NEOS party, is finalizing a draft bill designed to modernize the country’s gambling framework and prepare for upcoming tender processes for casinos and lotteries.

The legislation is expected to come into force early in 2026, addressing the looming expiration of monopoly licences that currently govern the Austrian gambling market. The proposed reforms are anticipated to bring both clarity and competition to a sector that has, until now, largely operated under state and semi-state monopolies.

Current structure of the Austrian gambling market

At present, Austria's gambling ecosystem functions under a dual-monopoly system. On one hand, Casinos Austria AG operates the nation’s 12 land-based casinos. The company is 59 percent owned by Allwyn, an international gaming group, while 33 percent remains under the ownership of the state investment company, ÖBAG. On the other hand, Österreichische Lotterien (OL) oversees lottery operations in the country, with its online platform Win2Day serving as Austria’s only authorised digital gambling venue.

Austrian Lotteries (OL) and Win2Day are largely controlled by ÖLG Holding, which itself is ultimately owned by Casinos Austria. This structure effectively consolidates the operation of both land-based and online gambling under a tightly controlled monopoly environment.

The lottery concession, which extends to the Win2Day platform, is scheduled to expire in autumn 2027, whereas Casinos Austria’s licence for land-based casinos is set to lapse between 2027 and 2030. The approaching end of these monopolies has raised questions about market access and the potential for increased competition from international operators.

Currently, many international gaming companies maintain a grey-market presence in Austria. These operators often rely on EU-based licences to offer services within the country, while others may operate entirely without a licence, effectively existing in a legal grey or black market.

Upcoming tender processes for casinos and lotteries

The introduction of the new legislation is widely expected to pave the way for competitive tender processes for both lotteries and land-based casinos. According to industry reports, Brightstar, formerly known as International Game Technology (IGT), has expressed interest in participating in the upcoming tender for the Austrian lottery concession.

Der Standard has reported that Brightstar is in discussions with Österreichische Post AG regarding the formation of a consortium. This potential collaboration is noteworthy given that Austrian Post is 53 percent owned by ÖBAG, effectively tying it back to state interests. Such arrangements highlight the complex ownership structures and the potential for strategic partnerships in the run-up to the licencing process.

Experts suggest that the new legislation will define clearer rules for participation in these tenders, including compliance requirements, operational standards, and regulatory oversight, thereby leveling the playing field for domestic and international participants alike.

Expectations for online casino liberalization

One of the most anticipated aspects of the proposed legislation is its potential to liberalize online gambling in Austria. The Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG), a key interest group representing major gambling operators, has expressed optimism about forthcoming regulatory changes.

The OVWG has previously stated that it expects the coalition government to reach an agreement by the end of 2025 that would open the online casino market to competitive operators. “We anticipate that the coalition government will deliver regulatory reforms that end the current monopoly of Casinos Austria over the igaming vertical,” the association said.

If implemented, such reforms could allow multiple operators to enter the Austrian online casino market, providing greater choice for consumers and introducing innovative products that are currently unavailable due to monopoly restrictions. Market liberalization is also expected to increase tax revenues, enhance consumer protection, and strengthen regulatory oversight of digital gambling platforms.

Legal and regulatory considerations

Austria’s gambling legislation operates within a delicate legal framework that balances state interests, consumer protection, and EU compliance. Any new law must reconcile the country’s constitutional provisions with EU regulations on the free movement of services and competition.

By codifying the rules for tender processes and online gambling access, the government aims to reduce legal uncertainty for operators. The legislation is also expected to outline robust measures for responsible gambling, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and data protection standards. These safeguards will help ensure that any newly licensed operators maintain high standards of transparency and integrity while offering services to Austrian consumers.

Market impact and opportunities for operators

The liberalization of Austria’s gambling sector is likely to create significant opportunities for both domestic and international operators. By opening the market to competition, companies that previously operated on EU-based licences or in the grey market may now have an opportunity to become fully compliant participants.

Experts predict that new entrants could focus on digital platforms, leveraging advanced technology to provide innovative online casino experiences. Traditional land-based casino operators may also need to adapt to a more competitive environment, emphasizing customer experience, premium services, and integrated online-offline offerings.

Additionally, the tender process for lotteries and online platforms could attract strategic partnerships between technology providers, state-backed entities, and international operators. Companies like Brightstar are likely to explore consortium models to maximize their competitiveness while ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations.

Potential challenges and risks

While the new legislation presents significant opportunities, it also introduces challenges. Existing monopoly operators may face revenue pressure as competition increases. Furthermore, the transition to a competitive market requires careful regulatory enforcement to prevent unlicensed operations and to safeguard consumer interests.

Industry observers have noted that complex ownership structures, such as the involvement of Austrian Post and ÖBAG, could complicate tender processes. Transparency, impartiality, and clear criteria for licence allocation will be crucial to maintaining market confidence and avoiding legal disputes.

The government will also need to consider measures to support responsible gambling, including limits on exposure, age verification protocols, and public education campaigns. These steps are essential to balance market growth with social responsibility and public trust.

Outlook for the Austrian gambling sector

Overall, the forthcoming gambling legislation marks a pivotal moment for Austria’s gaming industry. By addressing the impending expiry of monopoly licences and introducing competitive tenders, the government is positioning the sector for modernization and growth.

Industry stakeholders, including operators, regulators, and investors, will be closely monitoring the legislative process over the coming months. The coalition government is under pressure to finalize the draft bill before the end of 2025, with implementation expected in early 2026. If successful, Austria could emerge as a more dynamic, competitive, and legally robust gambling market, offering enhanced experiences for players and creating new business opportunities across the sector.

Conclusion

Austria’s new gambling legislation promises to reshape the industry by ending long-standing monopolies and opening the market to competition. The legislation will provide clarity for operators, strengthen regulatory oversight, and expand opportunities in both land-based and online gambling. With tender processes for casinos and lotteries on the horizon, international and domestic operators alike are positioning themselves to capitalize on this transition. The reform also underscores Austria’s commitment to balancing market liberalization with responsible gambling practices and robust consumer protection, setting the stage for a modern, competitive, and legally secure gaming landscape.

FAQs

What is the expected timeline for Austria’s new gambling legislation?
The legislation is expected to be presented before the end of 2025 and take effect early in 2026.

Which companies currently control gambling monopolies in Austria?
Casinos Austria AG controls land-based casinos, while Österreichische Lotterien and Win2Day oversee lotteries and online gambling.

When do the current gambling licences expire?
The lottery licence expires in autumn 2027, and Casinos Austria’s casino licences will lapse between 2027 and 2030.

Will the new legislation allow international operators to enter Austria?
Yes, the reforms are expected to open online casino gambling and lotteries to competition, including international operators.

What role does Brightstar play in the upcoming tender?
Brightstar (formerly IGT) is reportedly exploring participation in the lottery tender, potentially in partnership with Österreichische Post AG.

What are the expected benefits of the legislation for players?
Players may benefit from increased choice, access to innovative online products, and enhanced consumer protections.

How will the government ensure responsible gambling?
The legislation is expected to include measures for age verification, exposure limits, AML compliance, and public education campaigns.

What is the significance of liberalizing the online casino market?
It would end Casinos Austria’s monopoly over online gambling and create a competitive environment for innovative digital platforms.

How might existing monopoly operators be affected?
They may face revenue pressure and increased competition, requiring adaptation and strategic partnerships to maintain market share.

What legal frameworks guide the legislation?
The law must comply with Austria’s constitutional provisions and EU regulations on competition, services, and consumer protection.