Austria keeps one of Europe’s few remaining online casino monopolies. This page replaces our earlier Austria guide, which described a license that private operators cannot obtain. For EU markets that do license private operators, see our gambling license services.
Austria online gambling: key facts for 2026
| Item | Position in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Law | Gambling Act (GSpG), 1989, as amended |
| Online casino | Federal monopoly — lottery concession, offered via win2day |
| Private online casino license | Not available |
| Sports betting | Licensed by the nine federal states |
| Enforcement | Fraud Prevention Office; penalties, payment and domain blocking |
| Civil risk | Players can claim back losses from unlicensed operators |
| Reform | GSpG amendment expected from spring 2026; new 15-year concessions afterward |
How the monopoly works
The federal government grants a limited number of concessions: one for lotteries, which includes electronic lotteries and online casino games through win2day, and a small number for land-based casinos. Private companies cannot obtain a separate online license, and EU-licensed operators do not gain market access through their home license.
Sports betting
Because sports betting is not “gambling” under the GSpG, it is regulated by the federal states (for example Vienna, Lower Austria and Styria) under their own betting laws. A bookmaker needs a license in each relevant state, along with compliance with state rules on player protection and AML.
Enforcement and player claims
- Administrative penalties for illegal gambling offers, raised under the reform proposals;
- Payment and domain blocking, with the Fraud Prevention Office’s powers set to grow;
- Player-claim litigation: Austrian courts have allowed players to recover losses from operators without an Austrian license, creating balance-sheet risk for offshore operators that served Austria.
The 2026 reform
The Finance Ministry’s amendment aims to apply land-based protection standards online, introduce age-dependent loss limits and strengthen blocking. Reporting in 2026 indicated that the new law would not liberalize online casino. Concessions for the next 15 years are to be awarded after the reform. Our earlier news on the Austrian betting association’s call for licensing covers the industry’s position.
What this means for operators
- Geo-block Austria for online casino unless you are the concession holder.
- Consider state betting licenses for sportsbooks.
- Assess legacy exposure to player claims if Austria was previously served.
For licensed EU alternatives, see Malta and our jurisdictions page.
How Gambling Consulting Expert can help
We review Austria-related exposure for operators and suppliers and support state betting license applications. Contact us.
Belgium
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Ireland
Italy
Malta
Montenegro
Netherlands
Romania
Sweden