Austria expects 20 applicants for planned online gambling licences

Austria's finance ministry expects 20 providers to apply for online gambling licences under the planned Glücksspielgesetz reform. Applicants would need to be stock corporations with supervisory boards, compliance systems and at least €10m in share capital. ^[1][2]

The bill's impact assessment assumes licensed operators will account for 45% of online gambling once the rules apply. Industry representatives doubt the reform will divert players from EU-licensed sites. ^[1][2]

The reform is also approaching a European Commission TRIS standstill deadline, which determines when Austria can adopt the revised rules. ^[3] Casinos Austria general director Erwin van Lambaart will leave when his contract expires in March 2027, supervisory board chairman Robert Zadrazil said; Andreas Bierwirth is a possible successor, with no official confirmation. ^[3][4]

Reports cited

1. Austria finance ministry expects 20 online gambling licence applicants
2. Austrian finance ministry expects 20 bidders for online gambling licences
3. Austria faces TRIS deadline for EU approval of new gaming orders
4. Casinos Austria general director Erwin van Lambaart to leave in March 2027

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