The country is finally emerging from years of regulatory stagnation: authorities are preparing a law that will completely restructure the online gambling market by summer 2026. The reform is expected to become one of the most significant in Europe.
What’s happening
Austria has maintained a monopoly through win2day for many years, but the real market has long been dominated by offshore operators licensed in the EU. The new law aims to close the gap between the formal model and actual player behaviour, while strengthening player protection and regulatory oversight.
Key elements of the reform
🔵 A unified self-exclusion system based on the German model — nationwide protection for vulnerable players
🔵 Payment blocking: banking "blacklists" to prevent transfers to illegal websites
🔵 Crackdown on offshore operators: IP blocking remains an option, but financial restrictions are the priority
🔵 Market model still undecided: from a limited number of licenses to full liberalization with strict compliance requirements
🔵 Fiscal transparency: the goal is to bring back revenues currently flowing to the EU or outside Austria’s tax system
Why the reform is necessary
🔴 The monopoly doesn’t work: most players use foreign platforms
🔴 Lack of control: offshore operators bypass KYC, RG, and advertising rules
🔴 Rising risks, from addiction to tax leakage and the absence of protective mechanisms
🔴 Pressure from the EU is growing: Austria remains one of the least aligned with modern regulatory standards
Potential consequences
🔵 Creation of a modern system comparable to other European markets
🔵 Increased competition and entry of international brands
🔵 Reduction of offshore market growth through regulatory measures
🔵 Stronger player protection and harm reduction
But: overly strict rules may push users back to the illegal market.
Conclusions
🔴 Austria is finally moving from declarations to real action
🔴 The stakes are high: the chosen model will define the market for the next 10+ years
🔴 Balancing competition and protection is the key success factor
Austria has maintained a monopoly through win2day for many years, but the real market has long been dominated by offshore operators licensed in the EU. The new law aims to close the gap between the formal model and actual player behaviour, while strengthening player protection and regulatory oversight.
Key elements of the reform
🔵 A unified self-exclusion system based on the German model — nationwide protection for vulnerable players
🔵 Payment blocking: banking "blacklists" to prevent transfers to illegal websites
🔵 Crackdown on offshore operators: IP blocking remains an option, but financial restrictions are the priority
🔵 Market model still undecided: from a limited number of licenses to full liberalization with strict compliance requirements
🔵 Fiscal transparency: the goal is to bring back revenues currently flowing to the EU or outside Austria’s tax system
Why the reform is necessary
🔴 The monopoly doesn’t work: most players use foreign platforms
🔴 Lack of control: offshore operators bypass KYC, RG, and advertising rules
🔴 Rising risks, from addiction to tax leakage and the absence of protective mechanisms
🔴 Pressure from the EU is growing: Austria remains one of the least aligned with modern regulatory standards
Potential consequences
🔵 Creation of a modern system comparable to other European markets
🔵 Increased competition and entry of international brands
🔵 Reduction of offshore market growth through regulatory measures
🔵 Stronger player protection and harm reduction
But: overly strict rules may push users back to the illegal market.
Conclusions
🔴 Austria is finally moving from declarations to real action
🔴 The stakes are high: the chosen model will define the market for the next 10+ years
🔴 Balancing competition and protection is the key success factor