Austria Sends Gambling Reform Bill to EU Commission

Austria has taken another step towards reforming its gambling sector by submitting its draft gambling legislation to the European Commission for review.

The proposal, prepared by the Ministry of Finance, begins the mandatory three-month assessment period during which the European Commission will examine whether the legislation complies with EU law, including single market rules and state aid requirements.

Among the key measures in the draft is the creation of a national self-exclusion register covering online gambling, casinos and gaming machines. Licensed operators would be required to block access to gambling services for individuals registered within the system.

The proposed legislation also introduces mandatory deposit limits for online gambling and gaming machines, with stricter limits applying to players aged 18 to 26. Additional responsible gambling measures include lower betting limits on gaming machines, slower gameplay, compulsory breaks after 90 minutes, and requirements for operators to analyse game performance and contribute data for gambling research.

The draft legislation would replace Austria’s existing online gambling monopoly with a multi-licence market. Operators currently offering gambling services without authorisation would need to cease operations by 1 January 2027 to qualify for a licence. Companies that continue operating illegally beyond that date would face an 18-month waiting period before becoming eligible to apply, increasing to 24 months from 2030.

Applicants would also be required to settle outstanding tax obligations and satisfy player claims before receiving approval. The proposal allows for the issuance of up to 13 casino licences, which could be awarded individually or as bundled packages.

The proposed reforms have drawn criticism from parts of the gambling industry, while some experts have questioned whether Austria can complete the licensing process in time for the planned launch of the regulated market in 2027.