EGBA: Austria’s Gambling Regulations Require Reform

The European Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA) has urged Austrian authorities to reconsider and reform the nation’s online gambling regulations. The existing framework supports a state-operated monopoly that fails to reflect the advancements and realities of contemporary online betting platforms.

EGBA argues that this situation compromises player safety and diminishes Austria’s tax revenue.

Austria’s Outdated Legislation

While 21 EU member states have successfully modernized their online gambling regulations through multi-licensing for online casino operations, EGBA contends that Austria remains stagnant. It is, alongside Poland, the only EU member state that has not updated its gambling regulations in decades.

Currently, Austria’s regulations permit only the state-run lottery to offer games of chance. Licensing is minimal and primarily restricted to physical betting establishments, neglecting the online gaming sector.

EGBA highlights that a significant black market has developed due to this regulatory void, endangering thousands of players. Without adequate regulation, individuals seeking to gamble online in Austria are left without any protective measures.

🇦🇹 While most EU members have embraced licensing frameworks for online casino, Austria remains one of just two countries clinging to an outdated monopoly.

This places its players at risk and undermines tax generation.

Read our call-to-action: https://t.co/Ulu6v0YKoT#iGaming pic.twitter.com/mDljPkxe3M

— EGBA (@EUgambling) December 18, 2024

EGBA’s Call for Reform

In a statement issued on December 18, 2024, EGBA is calling on Austrian authorities to take this opportunity to implement substantial reforms in gambling regulation. The statement emphasizes that introducing a modern multi-licensing framework is essential for bringing the country’s regulations into the twenty-first century.

EGBA’s message was specifically addressed to Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), National Council of Austria Chairman Andreas Babler (SPÖ), and Chairwoman Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS), to come up with an action plan that sets multi-licensing as a goal in the new government’s programme.

EGBA outlines several benefits of adopting new policies, including enhanced player protection, strengthened regulatory oversight, and increased economic advantages. To achieve these objectives, the Association recommends specific actions such as creating a licensing framework, establishing independent oversight, and developing a new tax policy.