If the bill is introduced on schedule, next year will determine whether Austria transitions to a more open gambling environment
Austria’s governing coalition is preparing to introduce a major overhaul of the country’s gambling laws before the end of the year, setting up a new regulatory landscape ahead of several key license expirations. According to reports from the Austria Press Agency, the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS parties plan to publish draft legislation that would reshape how casino and lottery concessions are awarded. If the timelines hold, the updated rules would take effect in early 2026.
The push for reform comes as Austria’s long-standing gambling monopolies near their expiration dates. Casinos Austria AG, which operates all 12 land-based casinos and is majority-owned by Allwyn and the state holding company ÖBAG, faces license expirations between 2027 and 2030. Meanwhile, the Austrian Lotteries concession, which also covers the country’s only legal online gambling platform, Win2Day, is set to lapse in autumn 2027.
For years, international operators have serviced Austrian customers through EU licenses or entirely without authorization, creating a large grey and black market. Policymakers hope that updated regulations will narrow these gaps while encouraging competition and strengthening oversight.
The upcoming tender process is already drawing interest from global gaming companies. Brightstar, formerly known as IGT, is reportedly considering a bid for the lottery concession and has held discussions with Österreichische Post AG about forming a consortium.
Industry groups have been vocal in their desire for change, particularly regarding the online sector. The Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG), which represents major operators active in the country, has long argued that the current system unfairly protects the Casinos Austria monopoly. The group believes that a reworked legal framework could finally open Austria’s online casino market to broader competition.
