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Austria advances draft gambling law to EU review in next step for open licensing

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 8:11 PM
Photo: Shutterstock
  • Kathryn Evans, iGaming Business

On Tuesday, Austria’s Ministry of Finance formally submitted a comprehensive draft overhaul of its gambling regulations to the European Commission, initiating a mandatory three-month standstill period before the legislation can be officially enacted.

The step triggered a review phase during which the Commission may raise concerns related to state aid or single market regulations. Austria’s parliamentary processes are allowed to continue in parallel.

The proposed legislation represents one of the most significant shifts in Austria’s gambling framework in recent years. It would primarily address tighter controls on online gambling, enhanced player protection measures and a modernized system for licensing and supervision.