Online gambling laws and regulations in Austria
In Austria, gambling is legal, but it is strictly regulated and completely under the control of the state – it is regulated by the OVWG (Ministry of Gambling). Federal legislation has established a state monopoly on gambling: today the Casinos Austria AG group is the only licensee and operator of gambling that has the right to legally offer them.
According to the Austrian Gambling Law, slot machines, lotteries, scratch games and card games are allowed in the country. There are no restrictions on game genres. All online casinos are owned by the government and adhere to the rules of responsible gaming: they limit the age of the player, offer games from licensed operators, provide the opportunity for self-restraint and self-elimination, and provide support if problems arise. Austrian online casinos are licensed only by Casinos Austria AG, and visiting all third-party online casinos is considered illegal.
Legality of land-based online casinos
The state gambling monopoly in Austria does not only apply to the online world: similar rules apply to land-based casinos. The Casinos Austria AG group regulates all offline casinos in the country and is the only authority that can issue a casino license. In total, there are twelve land-based casinos in the country, located in different cities. The most famous of them are in Vienna and Baden, as well as in Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck and other cities.
Land-based casinos, like gambling sites, are forced to comply with the strict rules and conditions of the Austrian Gambling Law, which ensures the protection of players. When visiting a casino, their age is strictly checked – you can only play if you are 18 years old or older. The identity verification process in Austrian casinos consists of several stages. Also, if a player behaves suspiciously or bets on credit, the casino is obliged to issue him a ban on playing or help him organize voluntary self-destruction.
Online Casinos for Austrian Players: Selection Criteria
We rigorously evaluate online casinos based on key factors to ensure the best options for Austrian players:
- Player Safety: Adherence to Responsible Gaming, identity verification, and self-exclusion options.
- Licensing: Casinos must have a valid license from Casinos Austria AG.
- Language: Availability of the German language and an Austrian-specific website version.
- Game Selection: Includes slots, jackpots, roulette, blackjack, poker, and Live Casino, with demo play options.
- Payment Methods: Support for bank cards, transfers, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and local systems like EPS and Eurobon.
- Customer Support: 24/7 support in German through various channels.
- Bonuses: Attractive bonuses with fair wagering conditions, including welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback, and VIP programs.
- Mobile Compatibility: Optimized for play on smartphones and tablets.
We also consider player reviews, independent casino ratings, and user interface quality to ensure a top-notch gaming experience.
Top Bonuses at Austrian Online Casinos
Austrian online casinos offer attractive bonuses for both new and existing players. New players can receive a Welcome Bonus, such as a 100% match on deposits up to €500. Some casinos even provide no deposit bonuses, like free spins or bonus cash for registering.
Regular players can benefit from reload bonuses, which offer free spins or a percentage of weekly deposits, and cashback, such as a weekly 10% return on net losses.
Additional promotions include sweepstakes, tournaments, VIP programs with exclusive perks, and more. Bonus wagering requirements typically include 40x for cash and 35x for free spins. Check the promotions page of your chosen casino for specific terms and conditions.
Payment Methods at Austrian Online Casinos
Austrian online casinos offer various payment methods for deposits and withdrawals:
- Bank Cards: Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer.
- E-Wallets: MiFinity, Klarna, Jeton, eZeeWallet, ecoPayz, etc.
- Prepaid Cards: CashtoCode, Paysafecard, Neosurf.
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tron, and more.
- Local Methods: EPS (online banking) and Eurobon (available at lottery retailers).
E-wallets and cryptocurrencies usually provide instant transfers, while bank transfers take 1-5 business days. Payment limits range from €5 to €5000, typically without player commission. Check individual method conditions for details.
Games at Austrian Online Casinos
Austrian online casinos cater to diverse player preferences with a wide range of games:
- Online Slots: From classic fruit machines to multi-line video slots with progressive jackpots.
- Table Games: Including roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat, available in demo and real money modes.
- Live Casino: Real-time games with professional dealers, featuring roulette, poker, baccarat, blackjack, and TV show-based games.
- Lotteries and Scratch Cards: Quick luck-based games requiring no special skills.
- Sports Betting: Bets on football, tennis, basketball, and more.
Additional offerings include bingo, keno, and virtual sports. Popular developers include Play’n GO, NetEnt, Evolution, and Habanero.
Is it safe for Austrian players to play in online casinos?
Firstly, the gambling industry is fully regulated by law. Secondly, even if you play in illegal casinos, the responsibility lies only with them – the law does not restrict players. Also, most of the online casinos available in Austria only offer licensed and fair games from reliable developers. Therefore, we can safely say that playing in online casinos in Austria is absolutely safe.
Tips for Safe and Responsible Gaming
To make gaming as safe as possible, play responsibly. Carefully choose a reliable online casino using expert selections, like those we offer. Never risk money you are not prepared to lose. Take the process lightly and do not strive to win back every loss. If you are concerned about addiction, seek help – responsible casinos always offer contact information for relevant centers.
