Regulation of Games of Chance
The main objective of the policy on games of chance is to regulate and control games of chance, with a particular emphasis on counteracting gambling addiction, protecting consumers and preventing unlawfulness and crime.
Regulatory policy objectives are as follows:
- Prevention of organised crime (e.g. money laundering, financing of terrorism and other illegal activities)
- Prevention of consequentional crime (theft, burglary, fraud) committed by gambling addicts
- Youth protection
- Consumer protection
- Financial market stability (pyramid schemes)
Gambling, casinos and lotteries are regulated by the Law on Games of Chance (GSpG) and fall within the remit of the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore the Ministry of Finance is the responsible authority for the supervision of licensed companies. The gambling law also determines which games are considered games of chance, among others. The few exceptions from this monopoly (certain betting activities, games of chance with low stakes and games of skill) are then in part regulated by the Federal States of Austria and their different regional laws.
A cross-border supply of gambling activities is not allowed. Gambling activities, e.g. via electronic media (Internet) offered internationally, are also subject to the national gambling monopoly and may not be advertised or executed within Austria. Interventions into the monopoly are punishable by civil law or administrative penalty regulations of the gambling law.
Traditional Sports Betting Services fall within the remit of the Federal States of Austria (regional governments).
The “Österreichische Lotterien GmbH” is licensed for offering Lotto, Toto, Goal Betting, Letter Lottery and Scratch Cards as well as Electronic Lotteries via Internet and via Video Lottery Terminals.
The “Casinos Austria AG” operates twelve casinos in Austria and offers various table games and slots.
Announcement of the Austrian Ministry of Finance
in accordance with §§ 21 and 22 Austrian Gaming Law („Glücksspielgesetz“)
VIENNA, Austria (19 August 2011) – The Ministry of Finance announces that the right to operate 15 (land based) casinos and 1 poker parlour in accordance with §§ 21 and 22 of the Austrian Gaming Law (“Glücksspielgesetz”) is going to be re-awarded through a series of public proceedings resulting in the issuance of new licences.
A document with general structural and timing information for all public proceedings and a document stipulating all requirements for participating in the first public proceeding (ref. “ Spielbankenkonzession Paket 1”) have been published on the homepage of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance under https://www.bmf.gv.at/Gluecksspiel/_start.htm on 19 August 2011.
All documents and proceedings are in German language. The deadline for the first licence application is 13 January 2012, the deadlines for the other licence applications will be announced on the homepage of the Ministry of Finance. After registration, interested parties have access to all relevant documents and will receive information about the following public proceedings.
The Ministry
