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Austria reforms gambling laws as Poland faces massive tax losses
Austria is reforming its online gambling market by moving away from a single-operator monopoly held by Österreichische Lotterien toward a multi-license concession system. The government has notified the European Commission of this project, requiring unlicensed operators to exit the market by December 30, 2026, to maintain eligibility for future licenses.
In contrast, Poland continues to maintain a state monopoly through Totalizator Sportowy. This has resulted in a significant gray market, with an estimated 40% of the market controlled by unauthorized entities. Research from WEI and Forum Konsumentów indicates that over 3 million Poles use illegal services. In 2025, these illegal operators generated 1.75 billion PLN in net revenue. Projections suggest Poland could lose approximately 9.4 billion PLN in gambling tax revenue between 2026 and 2030. Furthermore, studies show a lack of consumer awareness, with 61% of Poles unaware that only one online casino is legal in the country.
Entities
Austria · BetOnRed casino · ColdBet Casino · Curaçao eGaming · European Commission · Forum Konsumentów · Ivibet · Lemon Casino · Palms Bet · Poland · Total Casino · Totalizator Sportowy
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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
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- [○ 1 SOURCE] Unlicensed operators in Austria must exit the market by December 30, 2026, to remain eligible for future licenses. obserwatorgospodarczy.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Austria is transitioning from a single-operator monopoly to a multi-license concession system for online casinos. obserwatorgospodarczy.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Poland could lose approximately 9.4 billion PLN in gambling tax between 2026 and 2030 due to the gray market. obserwatorgospodarczy.pl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 61% of Poles are unaware that only one online casino operates legally in the country. obserwatorgospodarczy.pl