Austrian Gambling Reform Delayed at EU Level Following Malta Intervention

Vienna, Austria – Austria’s significant gambling law amendments, intended to dismantle the country’s online gambling monopoly, have encountered an unexpected setback at the European Union level.

What Happened

The legislative package, which includes provisions for a new open licensing system for online gambling, was expected to clear its EU notification period on Thursday, November 5. However, a detailed opinion submitted by the Maltese government on Wednesday morning automatically triggered an extension of this period, pushing the new deadline to December 7. This intervention prolongs the legislative process at a crucial juncture for the Austrian government, which aims to have the law enter into force early next year.

Key Details

• Malta’s detailed opinion automatically extended the EU notification period for Austria’s gambling reform.
• The original deadline of November 5 has been moved to December 7.
• The reform aims to end Austria’s online gambling monopoly, currently held by Win2Day.
• Market stakeholders, including legal experts, do not foresee significant delays to the overall parliamentary schedule, with passage still expected before Christmas 2026.
• The delay will, however, tighten the timeframe for operators to apply for new Austrian iGaming licences between ratification and the law’s entry into force on January 1, 2027.
• The Austrian Association of Betting and Gaming (OVWG) anticipated Malta’s concerns, noting their own discussions with Austrian policymakers regarding certain bill provisions.
• Cross-border operators will face a nine-month “cooling-off period” to be eligible for an Austrian licence, requiring them to cease services to Austrian customers by December 31 or face an extended 18-month blackout.
• Operators must also settle player claims and backdated taxes.

Why It Matters

This delay, while not expected to derail the overall legislative timeline, introduces additional uncertainty and a tighter schedule for both the Austrian government and potential iGaming licence applicants. The intervention from Malta, a significant hub for online gambling operators, highlights ongoing concerns within the industry regarding the terms of Austria’s new gambling act, particularly concerning the “cooling-off period” and requirements for cross-border operators. While the move reflects industry anxieties, some analysts question its strategic benefit, suggesting it might be perceived negatively by the future Austrian regulator. The outcome of these discussions will significantly shape the future of Austria’s online gambling market, moving it from a monopoly to a regulated open licensing system.