Austria to create new gambling authority

A new supervisory gambling authority will be created under a major shakeup of gaming regulations in Austria.

Austria.- Finance minister Gernot Blümel has announced a major overhaul of gambling regulations in Austria, including the creation of a new supervisory authority.

The task of licensing and enforcing gambling regulations will be shifted from the Austrian Treasury to a new gambling regulator.

The changes will come with new player protection controls and transparency rules, with the new regulator establishing a national self-exclusion system for both online and land-based gambling. 

Controls against unlicensed gaming

The new body will also create a blacklist of unlicensed operators and will have the power to order internet service providers to block access to their sites.

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Regulations will also be devised to cover loot boxes, the minister said. 

Blümel said: “Player protection is of particular importance, as gambling is a very sensitive area for players, their families and for society, which also carries considerable risks.

“Players are often affected by addiction and as a consequence confronted with financial, psychological and existential issues.”

He said Austria would aim to replicate Germany’s model, including strict monthly deposit limits, stake limits and playing time for online slots. The country will also increase taxes on the sector and increase advertising controls, Blümel said.

See also: Austrian police bust illegal casino