Online Gambling and Casinos in Austria: Laws, Licenses & Payment Methods

Online Gambling and Casinos in Austria

Online Gambling and Casinos in Austria

The liberal European country does not shy away from money-based fun. Austria's gambling is tolerated as legal and controlled both at the province and state levels, i.e., provinces have the authority to apply certain provisions under the law. Both land-based and online venues are both under a national monopoly and controlled by the Federal Gambling Act (GSpG). Only 15 gaming licenses are issued, all of which go to a single operator — Casino Austria AG.

They can play on several different platforms, some of which have new, convenient ways of paying like online casino Austria PayPal, a popular choice among Austrian gamblers because it is so fast and secure.

Bingo, poker, slots, roulette, and other real money games are supervised by the Ministry of Finance (Bundesministerium für Finanzen, BMF) and the Austrian Tax Authority (Finanzamt Österreich). Internet sports betting is governed by autonomous legislative statutes by Austria's nine federal states (Bundesländer). The lottery is completely state-monopolized.

Licensing and Regulation of Austria's Gambling Industry

The gambling sector is highly regulated by a mix of national laws. The fundamental legal texts that are in charge of overseeing the behavior and organization of sports bookmaking, lottery games, and online casinos in Austria are:

  • Austrian Civil Code
  • E-Commerce Act
  • Unfair Competition Act (UWG)
  • Federal Gambling Act (GSpG)
  • Financial Market Anti-Money Laundering Act (FM-GwG)

The Unfair Competition Act has a blacklist of unauthorized physical and online casinos in Austria in 2025. Listing does not have criminal sanctions — it is not a legal term meaning punishment for unlawful gambling.

Section 12 of the Federal Gambling Act stipulates the meanings of gambling terms and the single approved electronic lottery organizer as Österreichische Lotterien GmbH.

Key facts:

  • The Ministry of Finance issues licenses.
  • Online sports betting is subject to licenses from all federal states.
  • Unlicensed operators are prohibited from advertising or offering services in Austria.

Summary of the Legal Gambling Framework

  • Legal Basis: Gambling Act (GSpG), E-Commerce Act
  • Regulatory Bodies: Ministry of Finance, Austrian Tax Authority, regional governments
  • Corporate Taxation:
  • Sports betting: 2%
  • Online games: 40%
  • Lotteries: 2–27.5%
  • Tax on Player Winnings: None
  • Operator Sanctions: Based on the Criminal Code and Administrative Offenses Act
  • Languages Supported: German, English
  • Popular Payment Methods: VISA, MasterCard, PayPal, others

Types of Licensed Gambling

  • Austrian land-based and Internet casinos offer:
  • Slot machines (more than 2,000 registered)
  • Roulette simulators (American and French roulette)
  • Card games such as:
  • Classic and variant Blackjack
  • Texas Hold'em and Caribbean Stud Poker
  • Baccarat (for instance, Punto Banco)
  • Lotteries (for instance, win2day, Keno, EuroMillions)
  • Dice games and bingo (less popular)

Taxation of Gambling Operators

Gambling platforms operating under Austrian jurisdiction are taxed with the following rates:

  • Sports betting – 2%
  • Online gaming – 40% of gross turnover
  • Lotteries – 2% to 27.5%, subject to stakes

Points to note:

  • Operators VAT-exempted
  • Each company has a minimum of one AML certified officer

Slot Machines at Austrian Internet Casinos

Hot slot games at Austrian internet casinos are:

  • Jungle Explorer – Maximum x4000 multiplier, RTP: 96.6%
  • Robin of Sherwood – 243 lines, RTP: 95.8%
  • Almgaudi – Alpine-tinged game with free rounds and €5,000 top prize
  • Moby Dick – Novel-based slot game with frozen symbols and adaptable spins
  • River of Riches – up to x1000 multiplier and 8,000-coin jackpot
  • Another pair of players' favorites include Starburst and Dead or Alive.

Austrian Software Suppliers

Top local game producers include:

  • Amatic Industries – Manufacturers of control panels and slot cabinets
  • APEX Gaming Technology – Builds video slots and multi-player systems
  • Greentube – Part of NOVOMATIC, the manufacturers of interactive slots
  • Rabcat – Specializes in 3D slot and table games (such as Castle Builder)

International software such as NetEnt, PlayTech, and Playson are also utilized in large numbers.

Payment Systems in Austrian Online Casinos

When selecting an online casino, ensure it supports the euro to avoid currency conversion fees. Supported payment systems are:

  • PayPal
  • AstroPay
  • Sofort Banking
  • Euteller
  • Entercash
  • GiroPay
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • Trustly
  • ecoPayz
  • MuchBetter
  • Zimpler
  • Neosurf
  • iDebit
  • Responsible Gambling

While Austrian online casinos are legalized, there are strict compliance requirements. Key initiatives are:

  • Advertising restrictions (specifically where children are concerned)
  • Ban on loyalty programs for player acquisition
  • 18+ age limit
  • Regulation by the Jugendschutzgesetz (Youth Protection Act)

Operators are licensed only if they follow responsible gambling procedures and all ethical demands.