Austria Submits Gambling Act Overhaul to European Commission

Austria's government has submitted its proposed Gambling Act reforms to the European Commission for review. This action has initiated a three-month standstill period, allowing the Commission and other member states to assess the draft legislation. The overhaul aims to transition Austria's online gambling market from its current monopoly model to an open concession system, while simultaneously strengthening player protection and combating illegal gambling.

Key Takeaways

• Austria's government has submitted proposed Gambling Act reforms to the European Commission for review.
• The draft legislation proposes replacing the current online gambling monopoly with an open concession system.
• A three-month standstill period has commenced, allowing the European Commission and member states to review the draft.

New Regulatory Framework and Licensing

The draft legislation introduces an open licensing process for online gambling, requiring operators to meet strict eligibility criteria. Companies continuing to offer unlicensed services in Austria's new casino market beyond 1 January 2027 would face an 18-month exclusion from obtaining a licence, increasing to 24 months from 2030. Applicants must also settle outstanding tax liabilities and unpaid player protection claims before consideration for a licence.

Market Opening and Enforcement Measures

The reforms aim to open Austria’s online gambling market to competition and strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling through payment blocking, blacklisting, and network blocking measures. This opening will allow for the introduction of various new casino types, including new mobile casinos. A new digital supervision system will oversee a central cross-operator deposit limit. The proposals also cap the number of casino concessions at 13, with bundled allocations permitted under specific circumstances.

Enhanced Player Protection Initiatives

A key focus of the draft is player protection, including the creation of a central cross-operator self-exclusion register. This register would consolidate operator-imposed exclusions and self-exclusions across casinos, slot machines, and online gambling, including new live casinos. Mandatory deposit limits for online gambling and slot machines are proposed, with lower thresholds for players aged 18 to 26. Operators would additionally be required to submit gambling harm analyses to support scientific research.

Sources: Austria submits Gambling Act overhaul to European Commission