While the GSpG covers all games of chance across Austria, online betting is regulated at the Bundesländer level. Here is a summary of online gambling in the country’s nine provinces.
With a well-established legal framework for regulating online gambling in Austria, players can play various games at Win2Day, the country’s monopoly. However, the sole licensed online casino has limited offerings, which is why some people visit offshore casinos in Austria. This guide explains Austria’s gaming laws, legal gambling activities, and the types of games, betting options, and bonus offers available to Austrian players.
Online gambling in Austria is regulated under federal and state laws. Below is an overview of the country’s casino and sports betting industry.
The Austrian Ministry of Finance (Bundesministerium für Finanzen, “BMF”) regulates online gambling through the Tax Office Austria (Finanzamt Österreich).
Gambling activities in Austria are regulated under the Law on Games of Chance (GSpG – Glücksspielgesetz), also known as the federal Gambling Act.
Casinos Austria AG is the only company licensed to operate land-based casinos.
Österreichische Lotterien GmbH (Austrian Lotteries) holds the only licence for online lotteries, which include online games or games of chance.
The government holds a monopoly on games of chance, delivering online games through Win2Day, the official licensed gambling platform of the Austrian Lotteries.
Sports betting is regulated under region-specific laws, with each state (Bundesländer) having its own rules.
Ace Alliance is a leading provider of fact-based iGaming content backed by insights from professionals and our in-depth industry knowledge. We carefully analyse all online casino sites in Austria, focusing on the following key features.
Gambling in Austria is believed to date back to the 17th century, when groups of low-income people used to gather and play dice and other simple games. Below is an overview of the country’s transition from land-based to online gambling.
Gambling operators in Austria must comply with existing legislation to offer legal games and a safe gaming environment. Online gambling service providers must also obtain the necessary licences to operate under the country’s federal and state-level laws.
Online gamblers at local and offshore casinos are not required to pay taxes on winnings from games of chance in Austria. However, operators are required to pay taxes. Tax rates depend on the gambling services offered, such as 40% on gross gaming revenue from online gambling and 2 to 27.5% on stakes in lottery games.
Austrian players can participate in various online gambling activities for entertainment or real-money winnings. From online casino games to lotteries and sports betting, there are plenty of options to meet everyone’s gaming needs.
Win2Day is the only licensed state platform with slots, lotteries, table games, bingo, live dealer games, and sports betting. Supported payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, Apple Pay, EPS, and Paysafecard. There is no permanent welcome bonus, but players can benefit from temporary offers and regular prize draws.
Several offshore online gambling platforms operate in Austria’s grey market despite the strict regulations. These include online casinos licensed in Malta and Gibraltar. Such sites tend to offer a broader range of games, welcome bonuses, reload offers, and VIP perks, among other benefits. They also accept widely used e-wallets, cards, and cryptocurrencies.
Sports betting is a legal gambling activity in Austria, licensed at the provincial level. Therefore, it isn’t regulated under the Gambling Act. Österreichische Lotterien Ges.m.b.H., a subsidiary of Österreichische Sportwetten Gesellschaft m.b.H, is licensed in all provinces, offering the Tipp3 platform for online sports betting. Popular sports include football, skiing, and Formula 1.
Red Bull has significantly contributed to the popularity of esports in Austria. Founded by Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya from Thailand, Red Bull is a widely popular energy drink in the country and worldwide. The brand has influenced many players through its association with esports activities.
Poker is categorised as a game of chance under the GSpG. Popular options available at Win2Day include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and online poker tournaments. Austrian poker pros like Matthias Eibinger and Thomas Mühlöcker are a major source of inspiration. Moreover, cross-border tournaments in the Czech Republic (Rozvadov) attract many players.
While the GSpG covers all games of chance across Austria, online betting is regulated at the Bundesländer level. Here is a summary of online gambling in the country’s nine provinces.
Win2Day is a trusted online gambling platform catering to the Austrian market. However, it has several limitations compared to international gaming sites.
Licensed and regulated online casino in Austria
Robust safeguards for players
Casino games, lotteries, and sports betting in one place
Winnings from games of chance are not taxed
Secure deposit and withdrawal methods 
No permanent welcome bonus
Win2Day is Austria’s only legal casino
Fewer games and payment options than offshore casinos Austria’s Win2Day platform has a “Promotions” page with various bonuses and competitions, including daily prize draws. However, this casino lacks a permanent welcome bonus, which is usually the most generous offer at offshore casinos. Most international sites offer the following online casino bonuses in Austria with specific terms and conditions.
Online gambling preferences in Austria are influenced by cultural factors, options in land-based casinos, and professional players. Below are the most popular gaming options and player favourites on the leading sites.
Interest in Live Casino Games
Austrian players who play in land-based casinos are most likely to choose live casino games online. Also known as live dealer games, these games are hosted by real humans in gaming studios. Top providers include Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play.
VIP & High Roller Preferences
High roller and VIP games suit gamblers who prefer depositing large amounts of money and placing huge bets on games or sports. Many sites offer online versions of high-stakes roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat, and online slots.
Mobile-First Payments & Gameplay Trends
Mobile gaming on smartphones and tablets is the most convenient option for most online gamblers in Austria. Both local and international platforms offer mobile-optimised platforms, allowing players to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile-friendly payment methods.
Demand for New Online Casinos
With increased mobile and internet penetration, Austria boasts a fast-growing gambling industry that attracts many players every day. As a result, there is increasing demand for new online casinos that utilise modern gaming technology and cater to the changing needs of players.
Interest in Minimum Deposit Casinos
Not every player can afford to make huge deposits or take risks with large bets. Some players want to join platforms that allow them to deposit small amounts of money. These include minimum deposit casinos that accept €5 to €20 deposits.
Fast Payout Expectations
Every online player expects the gambling platform to facilitate instant deposits and process withdrawals quickly. Experienced gamblers always turn to fast-payout casinos that offer the quickest payment methods for instant or same-day withdrawals.
Growing Interest in Crypto Casinos
An increase in the number of players who want to play with cryptocurrency is another notable trend in Austria. Crypto casinos offer increased privacy and some level of anonymity, thanks to blockchain technology and decentralisation.
Electronic Payment Standard (EPS) is one of the most used local banking options at Win2Day. Offered by Austrian banks, this online payment system allows users to pay safely through direct bank transfers with real-time confirmation.
Acquired by Klarna, Sofort is a trusted bank transfer method available in Austria and other European countries. It provides an easy-to-use payment solution that players can use for safe payments at online casinos and sports betting platforms.
Founded in 2000 in Vienna, Paysafecard is a prepaid voucher-based payment option suitable for privacy-focused players who don’t want to share card or bank details. Users only need 16-digit PINs to pay online.
Skrill and Neteller are among the most used e-wallets for online gambling in Austria. Offered by Payafe, these e-wallets allow players to pay using mobile apps or the company’s official website. They can facilitate fast deposits and withdrawals.
Apple Pay and Google Pay are revolutionary mobile payment solutions offered by two of the world’s leading technology companies. They appeal to mobile users who want to pay safely through linked bank cards.
The number of crypto casinos continues to grow, attracting Austrian players who prioritise privacy. Many offshore gambling sites offer Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Solana, Ripple, Litecoin, Tether, and other cryptocurrencies for secure transactions.
Licensed online gambling platforms in Austria must promote responsible gaming to prevent the development of harmful behaviours. There are provisions regarding the protection of vulnerable people and all online and land-based players.
Austrian players should only join online gambling sites with valid licences, secure online payment methods, and positive player reviews. Let’s also see a few tips from our lead editor, Darko Ilievski:
All bonuses and promotions offered at online casinos and betting sites must have clear terms and player-friendly wagering requirements. Further, always remember to choose platforms that offer responsible gaming tools and actively promote responsible play.
Darko Ilievski
Editor on
Austria’s iGaming market continues to grow, providing a great alternative to long-standing brick-and-mortar casinos. The country’s online gambling market reached €632 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to €777 million by 2028.
As local operators seek to renew their licences in 2027, the establishment of a new regulatory framework might end the monopoly and introduce stricter player protection mechanisms and new gaming rules.
The monopolistic system in Austria’s gambling industry stems from strict laws, but everything might change following recent efforts to introduce new gambling laws. If new laws permit more operators in this market, we expect more players to engage in online gambling and benefit from better bonuses and globally used payment methods. The number of esports and sports betting enthusiasts is also likely to increase.
Cultural factors and everyday involvement in various forms of gaming have significantly influenced gambling activities in Austria. Different people, practices, and trends have a notable impact on the country’s dynamic gambling ecosystem.
Local Poker Pros & Personalities
Austria is home to some of the world’s best poker players. For instance, Matthias Eibinger, Klemens Roiter, and Jessica Teusl are among the most successful professional poker players.
Esports Culture: Red Bull Gaming, Wave Esports, ATF
Red Bull’s influence is a major contributor to the growing popularity of esports in Austria. Based in Vienna, Wave Esports is another influential organisation in the esports space.
Modern Austrian Culture in Slots (Noir, Folklore, Techno Themes)
Slots are among the most played online casino games in Austria. Preferred themes among Austrian gamblers include folklore, techno, and noir, among others.
Sports & Betting Trends (Bundesliga, F1, Winter Sports)
The popularity of sports betting in Austria can be attributed to the friendly laws at the provincial level. Moreover, many locals are interested in various sports, including the Austrian Grand Prix (F1), winter sports, and Bundesliga football.
Yes, different online gambling activities are legal under the Law on Games of Chance (GSpG) and provincial laws that regulate sports betting.
While offshore casinos aren’t permitted to advertise or offer games of chance in Austria, some players continue to visit such sites.
There are no taxes on player winnings when playing games of chance in Austria, but operators pay taxes, and the rate depends on the type of gambling services offered.
Anyone who wants to join an online casino or sports betting site in Austria must be 18 years or older to play legally.
Win2Day serves as the only legal online casino operated by Austrian Lotteries GmbH and licensed by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
The best payment methods for online gambling transactions in Austria include EPS, Visa, Mastercard, Paysafecard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.