EGBA calls on Austria to move to a multi-licensing system
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29 Dec 2024 •
Reading time: 3 minutes While the majority of EU Member States have adopted multiple licensing systems for online gambling, Austria remains one of the few countries to maintain a monopoly. A strategy that the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) considers obsolete and detrimental, both for players and for public finances.
The organisation is now calling on Austrian decision-makers to seize a crucial opportunity: to replace this archaic model with modern regulation, adapted to the realities of the sector and aligned with European best practices.
Market under pressure: the weight of the monopoly
In a landscape where 21 EU States have already modernised their legal frameworks, Austria and Poland stand out. In Austria, the current monopoly limits access to licensed gambling platforms, leaving much of the activity to take place on illegal platforms.
According to the EGBA, this situation fuels a thriving black market. “Thousands of Austrian players venture onto unregulated sites, thus escaping any form of protection or government control,” laments Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the EGBA.
Huge losses for the Austrian state
In addition to the risks for players, the monopoly is costly for the public purse. A study by the Austrian Betting and Gaming Association (OVWG) estimates that a multiple licensing system could generate up to €1 billion in additional tax revenue by 2030.
This financial windfall would come mainly from channeling players to regulated platforms, putting an end to tax evasion associated with unlicensed operators.
The example of European neighbours
Austria does not need to reinvent the wheel: countries such as Denmark, Sweden and more recently Finland have already shown the way.
Denmark, for example, introduced a multiple licensing system in 2012. As a result, the rate of channelling of players to the regulated market has increased from 72% to 90% in a decade. This reform has not only strengthened consumer protection, but also enabled a significant increase in tax revenues.
Finland, for its part, has announced the end of its monopoly in 2026. This choice reflects a growing awareness among European governments that a multiple licensing system is more effective in regulating a rapidly changing sector.
Three key arguments for reform in Austria
- Increased player protection
With a modern regulatory framework, Austria could impose responsible gaming tools, such as self-exclusion systems and spending limits. These measures, absent on illegal platforms, are essential to ensure a safe gaming environment. - Better regulatory oversight
Currently, much of the gambling industry is outside the control of the authorities. A multiple licensing system would give the state the means to exercise effective supervision and enforce strict standards. - Significant economic benefits
By integrating operators into a legal framework, Austria could transform a currently clandestine activity into a sustainable source of tax revenue.
A call to action from Austrian negotiators
The ongoing discussions between Karl Nehammer, Andreas Babler and Beate Meinl-Reisinger offer a unique opportunity to rethink the regulation of online gambling. EGBA is calling on these officials to include reform in the new government’s agenda.
“It is the perfect time to modernise Austria’s regulatory framework,” insists Maarten Haijer. “The evidence from Europe is clear: a multiple licensing system is a win-win for consumers, regulators and the state.”
Austria is at a turning point. Adopting a multiple licensing system would allow it to join its European neighbours in creating a secure, transparent and profitable online gaming market.