Political alignment between key parties has accelerated the process, creating momentum for a reform that could reshape who operates in the market, how players are protected, and how the industry is supervised.
A draft bill is now expected in early 2026, allowing time for consultation before potential implementation in summer 2026.
Why Is 2027 The Turning Point For Austria?
Under the current betting framework, all online betting companies operate under a single license. This license is held by state-owned Casinos Austria, the same group that holds 12 of the country’s land-based casino licenses. The license is set to expire on 30 September 2027.
The government decided to act proactively and pave the way for the next day, with a new gambling bill reportedly expected to be submitted in early 2026. After consideration by all parties, consultation with the major stakeholders, and possible amendments, an estimated implementation timeline is set for summer 2026, giving just over a year before the new betting era.
Will Austria Keep The Monopoly Or Shift To Multi-Licensing?
The main question is whether Austria will maintain its long-standing monopoly or move to a competitive multi-license framework. Trade bodies, including the OVWG, support liberalization and argue that a controlled but open market would increase tax revenue and improve channelization.
They are backed by international operators such as Bet365, Tipico, Bwin, LeoVegas and Merkur, which have long targeted Austria but operate without a domestic license. Associations believe that issuing 20 to 30 permits would create healthy competition, while forecasts suggest that this model could generate as much as €1.4 billion in tax revenue for the state by 2031.
Opponents of liberalization prefer a reinforced monopoly with stricter limits, tighter controls, stronger payment procedures, and an IP block. They argue that a single operator is better suited to enforce responsible gambling rules and prevent excessive risk under the supervision of an independent authority.
What Does The Reform Mean For The Austrian Betting Industry?
Austria’s market is estimated at roughly €2.84 billion in 2025, with online gambling driving much of the growth. Channelization remains a challenge, as up to 35% of online betting volume flows offshore. Previous enforcement measures have not reversed this trend, strengthening calls for regulatory change.
The reform is likely to determine how quickly Austria can modernize oversight, attract investment and respond to competitive pressure from neighboring European markets. For operators and bettors in Austria, the coming months will show whether the country becomes an open, multi-license market or doubles down on a more assertive monopoly model with sharper compliance rules.
