Austria to open gambling market after EU standstill ends 5 November
Österreichische Lotterien’s win2day monopoly runs until 30 September 2027, just before new licences start.
The hit
Austria cannot adopt its online gambling reform law until an EU standstill period expires on 5 November, according to the European Commission’s notification record. The Finance Ministry says parliamentary proceedings can continue in the meantime, but the legislation itself is on hold until the deadline passes.
Why it matters
The reform would scrap Austria’s online gambling monopoly, currently held by Österreichische Lotterien through its win2day brand, & replace it with an open licensing system. For operators, it opens a market previously closed to them, but with conditions: applicants must settle outstanding tax liabilities & comply with final judgments related to player protection claims.
The record
| EU standstill deadline | 5 November 2026 (European Commission TRIS notification) |
|---|---|
| New concessions awarded from | 1 January 2027 |
| New licences authorised to operate | 1 October 2027 |
| Current monopoly licence expires | 30 September 2027 (Österreichische Lotterien, win2day) |
| Withdrawal deadline for licence eligibility | end of December 2026 |
| Exclusion for non-compliant withdrawal | 18 months, or 24 months if after 2029 |
What happens next
Watch for parliamentary action once the standstill period ends, & for operators currently serving Austria without authorisation to confirm withdrawal before the end-of-December 2026 cut-off.
Sources: Austria’s online gambling reform faces November 5 end of EU standstill period
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