Austria’s parliament cannot approve legislation reforming the online gambling market before November 5, 2026, when the standstill period under the European Union’s Technical Regulation Information System procedure expires. Parliamentary debate can continue during that period, but a vote is due only after it ends.
The bill would replace Austria’s online gambling monopoly with an open licensing system. Concessions are planned to be awarded from January 1, 2027, with operators able to begin activity from October 1, 2027. Österreichische Lotterien’s win2day brand currently holds the concession, which runs through September 30, 2027.
Applicants and player protection
Applicants must settle tax debts and comply with court orders awarding player claims. Companies that operated in Austria without a local licence may apply if they cease their unauthorised offer by the end of December 2026. A company found in violation faces an 18-month concession ban, rising to 24 months if its withdrawal from the market extends beyond 2029. Operators seeking a concession therefore need to review their exit plans and tax records ahead of applications.
A self-exclusion registry and blocking tools are scheduled to start in January 2027, before new concessionaires begin operating. The registry will cover casinos, gaming venues and online gambling, including operator-initiated exclusions. The reform also provides for payment and website blocking, a blacklist of illegal suppliers, and digital tools for oversight of cross-operator deposit limits. Players will be able to set personal spending and time limits, while those below the legal age will face lower thresholds. A limit increase will take effect after a 72-hour waiting period.
