Online Gambling in Austria
Until June 2010 Austria’s gambling industry was closed to operators from other EU nations. All 11 casino concessions were granted to the largely state owned monopoly Casinos Austria AG, who in partnership with Österreichische Lotterien operated the only sanctioned online casino – Win2Day.
Following pressure from the European Commission to change licensing and regulations to be more compliant with EU law, the Austrian government amended the Glückspielgesetz in June to allow for 3 new licenses to be granted to operators based in other EU countries. But the law still requires that those operators hold a corporate seat in Austria for their license bid to be successful.
In September 2010, the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”), found Austria’s gaming laws to be a violation of EU freedom of services laws and discriminatory against other EU operators. While the case being adjudicated dealt specifically with the pre-June Glückspielgesetz, commentators have said that the ruling still clearly confirmed that the current requirement for EU licensed online operators to be physically present in Austria in order to be able to market an online casino there was inconsistent with EU law.
So back to the drawing board for Austrian lawmakers perhaps.
Best live casino for Austrian players
Regardless of legislative uncertainties for operators, nothing in the Glückspielgesetz prevents players from choosing a non-Austrian online casino and there are many that tailor their service to Austrians.
 Casinos |
 Player access |
 Banking |
 Toll free support |
 Local language |
 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions on sign -ups from Austria | No deposit restrictions. Maintain account in € EURO |
Yes | Full Deutsche language website and support capability | European based dealer room with Euro centric games |
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions on Austrian player sign-ups | No deposit restrictions. Maintain account in € EURO |
Yes | Full German language website and support capability | European based dealer room with Euro centric games |
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions on Austrian player sign-ups | No deposit restrictions. Maintain account in € EURO |
Yes | Full German language website and support capability | Asian based dealer studio including blackjack, baccarat, roulette and baccarat variations. |
