Austria: Malta’s Objection Delays Online Gambling Reform
Austria – 12 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Austria’s online gambling reform, which aims to end the country’s digital casino monopoly and introduce a multi-operator licensing system, has encountered a new delay after Malta submitted a formal objection through the European Union’s notification procedure.
The intervention, made on 4 November 2026, extended the regulatory review period until 7 December, reducing the time available to approve and implement the legislation.
The Austrian Government continues to target 1 January 2027 for the new legal framework, although operators have raised concerns about the increasingly compressed timetable.
Malta Extends the European Review Period
Austria notified its draft legislation to the European Commission on 4 August 2026, under the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS) procedure.
The original review period was scheduled to conclude on 5 November.
However, Malta submitted a detailed opinion, automatically triggering a one-month extension.
The revised timetable includes:
- 4 August: Austria submits its draft legislation.
- 4 November: Malta issues its detailed opinion.
- 5 November: original review deadline.
- 7 December: revised end of the standstill period.
- 1 January 2027: planned entry into force of the new framework.
Austria may continue parliamentary preparations but cannot formally adopt the notified provisions before the standstill period ends.
Austria Plans to End Win2Day’s Monopoly
Austria’s online casino and lottery market currently operates under an exclusive licence held by Win2Day, a platform associated with Austrian Lotteries.
The proposed reform would replace this structure with a licensing system allowing several private operators to participate.
The objective is to establish a regulated market with new licensing, supervision and consumer protection requirements.
However, several companies already provide services to Austrian customers using licences issued in other European jurisdictions, particularly Malta.
This situation represents one of the main points of controversy surrounding the legislation.
Restrictions for Foreign-Licensed Operators
One of the reform’s most disputed provisions concerns companies currently serving Austrian customers without holding a domestic licence.
Under the draft legislation, these operators would face a nine-month cooling-off period before becoming eligible for an Austrian iGaming licence.
They would also be required to:
- Discontinue online casino services for Austrian customers by 31 December 2026.
- Settle outstanding player claims.
- Resolve outstanding backdated tax obligations.
Companies failing to withdraw by the deadline could face an 18-month exclusion period under the new licensing framework.
These requirements remain part of proposed legislation and have not yet received final parliamentary approval.
Industry Raises Concerns About the Timeline
The extension leaves a shorter interval between potential parliamentary approval and the proposed implementation date.
Arthur Stadler, a gambling lawyer at Stadler Partner, explained that the legislation could still be approved before Christmas.
However, he warned that businesses seeking licences would have less time to prepare their operations and satisfy regulatory requirements.
Meanwhile, Simon Priglinger-Simader, President of the Austrian Association of Betting and Gaming (OVWG), indicated that the industry had anticipated Malta’s intervention because of concerns surrounding certain provisions.
The association remains engaged in discussions with policymakers to promote regulatory conditions supporting a competitive market.
Debate Over Cross-Border Services
Malta’s intervention highlights the European dimension of Austria’s proposed reform.
Many online gambling companies operate from Malta and use domestic licences to support international commercial activities.
However, gambling regulation remains primarily a national responsibility within the European Union.
The dispute concerns the restrictions imposed on foreign operators and their compatibility with European rules governing the provision of services.
The TRIS procedure allows EU member states to raise concerns before national technical regulations receive final approval.
New Gambling Market Planned for 2027
Despite the delay, Austria’s official timetable continues to envisage the introduction of the new framework during 2027.
The legislation would create a multi-licence market, although its effective implementation will depend on parliamentary approval and the final regulatory provisions.
The proposed cooling-off period for certain operators could also influence how quickly new companies enter the market.
For technology suppliers and international platforms, the final licensing requirements will be critical when assessing future commercial opportunities.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
Malta’s objection does not represent a definitive rejection of the reform but extends the European regulatory review process.
The Austrian Government must wait until 7 December before formally adopting the notified provisions.
Parliament will then need to complete the legislative process and determine the final conditions of the licensing system.
Austria remains committed to opening its online gambling market in 2027, but Malta’s intervention has compressed the implementation timetable and increased pressure on operators preparing to enter the new regulatory framework.
Editó: @fonta
