Austria Gambling Reform Enters EU Review Under TRIS Process
Austria has submitted its proposed gambling law overhaul to the European Commission for a mandatory review process.Summary
Austria has officially submitted a draft overhaul of its gambling legislation to the European Commission via the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS). This submission initiates a three-month standstill period, allowing the EU to ensure the new framework aligns with competition and market access rules. The proposed reform aims to modernize the country's gambling sector, which has been governed by a monopoly system since 1989.
A key component of the reform is the transition from a monopoly to an open licensing system for online gambling. To qualify for licenses, operators must meet strict regulatory and financial requirements and settle outstanding tax or player compensation claims. The legislation also proposes a cap of 13 casino concessions and introduces robust consumer protection measures, including a nationwide self-exclusion register, mandatory deposit limits, and enhanced enforcement powers like payment blocking against unauthorized operators.
While the reform promises a more competitive market, industry stakeholders remain cautious. Some express concerns regarding the complexity of the licensing process and the potential for black-market operators to thrive if the transition to the regulated market is not seamless. If the process proceeds as planned, the new market model could be implemented by October 2027.
(Source：World Casino News)