What major changes does the new legislation bring to the online gambling market in Austria? Previously, the market was monopolized by a state-owned operator, but the regulator is now preparing for a full transition to a licensing model. It will be interesting to see how this transition affects offshore operators and B2B companies.
After all, the reform will reshape the iGaming industry's rules in Central Europe completely. The government is launching an open market and establishing a single national regulatory body and a centralized self-exclusion registry for players. The government is also implementing strict measures to block IP addresses and bank payments for unlicensed sites. To obtain a license, operators must settle all past tax debts, compensate players for legal claims, and undergo a “cooling-off” period. How beneficial will this be for international brands, and will they take the risk of entering this regulated market?
The reform will transform the Austrian Gaming sector significantly. The country is moving toward opening a legal market based on a multi-license model, which is set to launch in October 2027. A comprehensive overview of the planned changes and legal requirements for operators is available at https://www.inkl.com/news/austria-targets-october-2027-for-the-launch-of-a-licensed-gambling-market. Legalization will require operators to fully certify their software, implement strict responsible gaming protocols, and pay local taxes. Transparent regulation will also open the door for B2B providers that supply licensed software and automated compliance tools. Given the high barrier to entry (starting at 10 million euros) and strict legalization requirements, do you think the Austrian market will become attractive to new operators?
