Austria Gambling Reform Faces Extended EU Review

Austria’s proposed gambling legislation will undergo an extended European Union review after Malta submitted a detailed opinion on the draft framework, delaying the process ahead of its potential adoption.

The original standstill period was scheduled to expire on November 5. However, the European Commission’s Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS) has revised the timetable, extending the deadline to December 7 and identifying Malta as the country responsible for submitting the detailed opinion.

Austria’s Department of Finance clarified that parliamentary discussions can continue while the review is underway. However, the legislation cannot receive formal approval until the EU assessment has been completed.

Proposed shift from monopoly to licensing system

The draft reform would replace Austria’s existing online gambling monopoly with an open licensing framework. Under the proposed rules, suppliers currently operating without authorisation would need to cease their activities by January 1, 2027, in order to qualify for a licence.

Operators that fail to meet this deadline would face an exclusion period before becoming eligible to apply. The proposed initial waiting period is 18 months, rising to 24 months from 2030.

The legislation also includes plans for lower gambling limits for players aged between 18 and 26.

To strengthen enforcement, the draft provides for payment blocking and network restrictions targeting unauthorised gambling operations.

Land-based casino licences also covered

The proposed changes extend beyond the online sector. For land-based gambling, the legislation would cap the number of casino licences at 13, with the possibility of awarding them in packages.

With the EU review period now extended following Malta’s detailed opinion, Austria’s proposed gambling framework remains under examination. The legislation must complete this process before it can progress to formal adoption.