Austria gambling reform faces extended EU review

Austria’s proposed gambling reform is undergoing an extended review by the European Commission following objections from Malta. The review period, originally set to end in November, has been extended to December 7 after Malta provided a detailed opinion on the draft legislation.

The proposed law aims to abolish the current Austrian online gambling monopoly in favor of an open licensing system. Under the draft, illegal operators must secure licenses by January 1, 2027, or face exclusion periods ranging from 18 to 24 months. The legislation also suggests lower age limits for certain players and limits land-based casino licenses to 13.

Malta, which hosts numerous gambling providers, has reportedly criticized the draft. Concerns may stem from the enforceability of court rulings regarding online gambling refunds, a key requirement for obtaining an Austrian license. While the Austrian Department of Finance noted that parliamentary discussions can continue during the standstill period, the law can only be officially accepted once the EU review is complete.