Austria is on the brink of a significant transformation in its gambling landscape. Industry experts anticipate that 2025 could mark the end of the nation’s longstanding online casino monopoly, paving the way for multiple private operators to enter the market. This shift would, for the first time, allow full licensing of online casino products, including slots and table games, within the region. Such a development could also resolve ongoing legal disputes involving operators active under Maltese licenses.
The Impending Expiry of the Monopoly
The current monopoly is held by Casinos Austria, whose 15-year license is set to expire on September 30, 2027. In anticipation, authorities plan to initiate the tender process for new licenses this year. Simon Priglinger-Simader, vice president of the Austrian Betting and Gaming Association (OVWG), expressed optimism about this potential change. He noted that, for the first time in over five years, politicians are open to discussions about reforming the monopoly system. Priglinger-Simader emphasized the urgency, stating that preparations for moving away from a monopoly should commence in 2025.
Political Dynamics at Play
The decision to reform the gambling framework rests with Austria’s incoming coalition government. Following unsuccessful negotiations with the Social Democrats (SPÖ) and the Liberal Party (NEOS), the center-right People’s Party (ÖVP) is currently negotiating a coalition agreement with the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ), which secured the largest share of votes in the September 29 elections last year. If these talks are successful, a new government could be established in the coming weeks. 
Dr. Arthur Stadler, founding partner at the Vienna-based law firm Stadler Völkel, highlighted the significance of this moment in Austrian politics. He pointed out that any new government will urgently need funds for the budget, and a broader gambling licensing regime could provide additional state revenue. Stadler emphasized the need for creativity and responsibility in facilitating this shift, suggesting that other EU countries, like Denmark, could serve as models for reform.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
In the previous FPÖ/ÖVP coalition (2017-2019), the Freedom Party advocated for liberalizing the online gambling market, arguing that the existing monopoly limited consumer choice, hindered efforts against illegal markets, and suppressed potential tax revenues. Although their proposals faced opposition and were not implemented at the time, recent developments indicate a renewed interest in reform.
Late last year, the ÖVP attempted to draft new gambling legislation and establish an independent regulatory authority in Austria. However, the initiative stalled due to demands from their Green Party coalition partners for stringent player protections and regulations.
Austria remains one of the few European jurisdictions maintaining a monopoly on online gambling—a situation that industry lobbyists are eager to change. Maarten Haijer, secretary general of the European Gambling and Betting Association (EGBA), has called for Austria to liberalize online gambling, citing evidence from across Europe that multi-licensing brings gambling activity into the regulated market, protects consumers, and generates significant tax revenue.
Currently, the monopoly holds a 30% market share in Austria, indicating its diminishing effectiveness. Industry stakeholders are advocating for the establishment of an independent authority to award new licenses to operators. Stadler warns that the government must act swiftly to initiate gambling reforms, as legal challenges are anticipated. The entire process of setting up a new authority and awarding licenses could take two to three years.
As Austria stands at this crossroads, the coming months will be pivotal in determining the future of its online gambling market. The potential shift from a monopoly to a more open licensing regime could usher in a new era for both operators and consumers in the Austrian gambling industry.
