Austria Moves Toward Online Gambling Liberalisation: Leaked Draft Law Signals End of Decades-Long Casino Monopoly

Context

Austria's gambling landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. A leaked draft law reviewed by iGamingBusiness reveals that the Austrian government intends to dismantle its longstanding monopoly on casino gaming, a system that has governed the market for generations. The proposed legislation marks a pivotal moment for a country that has historically maintained tight state control over gaming operations.

The leaked draft comes as European regulators increasingly recognise the economic potential of regulated iGaming markets. Austria's move reflects broader continental trends toward liberalisation, following similar frameworks implemented in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands in recent years.

What This Means

The draft law establishes a framework for opening Austria's iGaming market to licensed operators, but with conditions designed to protect consumers and maintain regulatory oversight. Rather than a complete free-for-all, the legislation proposes a structured licensing regime that will allow qualified operators to enter the market while maintaining standards around player protection, tax compliance, and responsible gambling.

Operators seeking Austrian licences should expect rigorous vetting processes, substantial financial requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations. The government is balancing market liberalisation with consumer safeguards — a tension that will define the implementation of the final law.

For international operators, Austria represents an attractive jurisdiction with strong purchasing power and sophisticated players. However, the stringent licensing conditions mean that market entry will require significant investment and operational sophistication.

What to Watch

The next critical milestone is the official publication of the final legislation, expected within the coming months. Key variables include the number of licences issued, the fee structure for applicants, tax rates on gross gaming revenue, and the treatment of Casino Austria — the incumbent monopoly holder — under the new framework.

For B2B suppliers, Austria's liberalisation creates a potential new regulated market for platform, game content, and payment providers. Timing market entry investments ahead of the official framework publication will be critical for suppliers wanting to establish early operator relationships.

What this means for B2B outreach: Austria is a high-purchasing-power market that has been effectively closed to most international iGaming B2B suppliers for decades. If the draft law advances to enacted legislation, the licensing window will be competitive. Suppliers with existing relationships in Germany and the Netherlands — Austria's regulatory reference points — are best positioned for early conversations with prospective licence applicants.

Source: iGamingBusiness. Published 2026-05-27.