Austrian gambling market expansion: OVWG advocates for welcoming additional operators starting from 2027
In the heart of Europe, the gambling landscape in Austria is undergoing a significant shift. The Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG) is spearheading a push for multi-licensing in the Austrian gambling market, a move that could reshape the industry and bring it in line with European trends.
The current system, which grants an exclusive license mainly to the operator Win2day and, indirectly, Casinos Austria, is facing increasing opposition. The OVWG, a prominent advocate for change, argues that a multi-license regime would increase competition and market openness, benefiting both players and providers.
The OVWG's call for reform aligns with broader European tendencies towards liberalization and multi-licensing. In fact, about 70% of the Austrian market is already served by operators licensed in other EU countries, leaving Win2day with only approximately 30% market share.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Austria's gambling regulation reform. Authorities are expected to initiate a tender process for new licenses this year, marking a significant opportunity for online gambling operators. This shift away from Austriaβs historically monopolistic system could challenge the exclusive license framework currently benefiting Casinos Austria.
While detailed recent statements from the OVWG are not explicitly found in the available search results, the regulatory outlook and market structure indicate that 2025 is a crucial year for Austria's gambling regulation reform focused on opening up the market via a licensing tender process.
The OVWG, on its website, supports the interpretation that its members, due to their existing EU licenses, are "fully legal" in offering gambling in Austria. Interestingly, it's estimated that the number of illegal gambling providers who regularly pay taxes to the state in Austria is approximately 29.
As the dust settles on this evolving situation, it's clear that the development of the gambling market in Austria is an interesting topic to follow. Whether 2025 will indeed mark the end of Austria's gambling monopoly remains to be seen. Stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds.
- What trends are emerging in Austria's gambling landscape? The OVWG, a prominent advocate for change, is spearheading a push for multi-licensing, which aligns with broader European tendencies towards liberalization.
- In the midst of this shift, casino-and-gambling operators licensed in other EU countries already serve about 70% of the Austrian market, leaving the Win2day and Casinos Austria with a combined market share of approximately 30%.
- As casino-culture evolves in Austria, sports-betting is gaining traction, making the actions of casino-personalities and their influence on gambling-trends crucial to observe.
- The forthcoming licensing tender process is a significant opportunity for online gambling operators, signifying a potential challenge to the historically monopolistic system that has benefited Casinos Austria. The number of illegal gambling providers paying taxes to the state is approximately 29, adding an intriguing aspect to the developing situation in Austria.
