The European Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA) has urged Austria to overhaul its “antiquated” online casino gaming system. According to the organization, Austria’s insistence on maintaining a monopolistic model not only endangers players but also leads to significant losses in tax revenue amounting to hundreds of millions.
Currently, 21 European countries have implemented a multi-licensing framework to modernize their online gambling operations. Austria and Poland remain exceptions, according to EGBA. This has resulted in “a flourishing black market, with numerous Austrian players engaging with unregulated websites.”
EGBA critiques Austria’s outdated monopoly framework for falling short of modern European standards and for negatively impacting consumer protection, regulatory supervision, and tax income. The association outlined three primary benefits of adopting a multi-licensing approach: enhanced player protection, increased regulatory control, and substantial economic gains.
A well-regulated system would mandate necessary safety measures, provide safer gambling tools, and offer self-exclusion options. Furthermore, such a regime could empower Austrian authorities with greater oversight and effective monitoring. Economically, adopting multi-licensing could potentially generate up to €1 billion in tax revenue by 2030, if current unregulated online gambling activities are incorporated into tax systems.
Europe’s recent shift in online gambling approaches has been influenced by these factors, with Finland being the most recent example of a nation moving away from a monopoly in favor of market liberalization, following successful precedents set by Denmark and Sweden.
EGBA addressed its appeal directly to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, National Council Chairman Andreas Babler, and Chairwoman Beate Meinl-Reisinger, urging them to craft an action plan to prioritize multi-licensing as a key component in government policies.
Maarten Haijer, EGBA’s Secretary General, remarked, “The evidence from Europe is clear: multi-licensing is effective. It ensures gambling is conducted legally, safeguards consumers, and boosts tax revenue.” He emphasized that, with government discussions ongoing, Austria has a prime opportunity to update its online casino regulations and adopt successful policies from other regions. “Now is the time to act,” he stated.
Local Austrian industry groups, such as the Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG), have also pushed for urgent reforms in the nation’s gambling regulations.