Very few markets in Europe have been as resistant to change as Austria – but hopes of a major overhaul are growing within the industry. After months of political delay, proposals for gambling reforms are set to be imminently released by the Ministry of Finance – and stakeholders believe the signs are pointing to the end of the current igaming monopoly in Austria.
At present, a single license is available in Austria for lotteries and online gaming products. This 15-year permit is held by Austrian Lotteries’ brand Win2day – a subsidiary of Casinos Austria, which also holds all 12 land-based casino licenses. Austria’s state holding company, ÖBAG, in turn owns a 33% stake in Casinos Austria.
