EGBA calls on Austria to ditch online casino monopoly model
In open plea to potential coalition partners, trade body says multi-licence framework will boost tax revenue and hurt the black market
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has implored Austria to move away from its “outdated” online casino monopoly model.
The pan-European trade body said the current model was way below standards in other European countries and that the monopoly “actively undermines consumer protection, regulatory oversight and tax generation”.
The EGBA added that alongside Poland in maintaining an igaming monopoly, Austria remained “locked in the past”.
Austria does already have a multi-licence model in place for sports betting, similar to Poland, although online casino is monopolised by Casinos Austria.
However, the country remains a hotbed for grey market activity.
The EGBA’s statement comes as coalition talks continue in Austria to form a new government following September’s general election.
The far-right Freedom Party won the largest share of the votes but has not formed a government after other parties refused to become a coalition partner.
Instead, three centrist parties in the shape of the People’s Party (OVP), the Social Democrats (SPO) and the NEOS are trying to thrash out an agreement, although talks are set to continue into the new year.
The EGBA directly called for the leaders of the three parties to “seize the moment” and prioritise the introduction of a multi-licence online casino market once a new government is formed.
The trade body said the government would need to create a competitive framework, establish a regulator, align Austrian responsible gambling tools with the rest of Europe and introduce a “smart”, GGR-based tax rate to deliver a “best-in-class” market.
Maarten Haijer, EGBA secretary general, said: “The evidence from across Europe is clear and compelling: multi-licensing works.
“It brings gambling activity into the regulated market, protects consumers and generates significant tax revenue.
“With government negotiations underway, Austria has a golden opportunity to modernise its approach to online casino regulation and benefit from the proven regulatory approaches elsewhere. The time to act is now.”