Austrian trade body calls for online gambling licensing system
Operator association argues new licence framework could boost Covid-19-hit Austrian sports clubs by up to €50m
The Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG) has called for a new online gambling licensing system to boost Austrian sport as it grapples with the financial fallout of Covid-19.
The OVWG said the “long-outdated” monopoly held by Österreichische Lotterien Gesellschaft (Austrian lotteries) should be replaced by the national licensing of sports betting and online gambling operators.
OVWG believes the Austrian government should create a licensing system which funnels a proportion of taxes and licence fees to Austrian sports clubs, which have been hit hard by closures relating to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Austrian sport and the gaming and betting providers have always been important business partners, which is why we want to support them even in this difficult situation,” OVWG president Claus Retschitzegger said.
“A permanent way to make more money for the sport is to introduce a contemporary online gambling licensing system.
“With additional taxes and licence fees, €30m to €50m can be earned and dedicated to Austrian sport.
“This would help them, in addition to the existing sports funding and sponsorship services, without further burdening the state budget, which is already strained by Covid-19,” Retschitzegger added.
However, the OVWG asked for licences to be limited in number and awarded only to operators with high standards in player protection.
The trade body highlighted the existing contribution made to Austria’s economy by online gambling providers licensed in other EU member states, through jobs and the sponsorship of Austrian sports teams.
“A modern licensing system, as almost all EU countries already have, would bring further added value to Austria and ensure the attractiveness of the business location,” said Retschitzegger.
“With a licensing system, we as a company would also have the necessary legal security to be able to comprehensively plan our sponsorship services for the next few years,” he added.
Lottery-based gaming and online gambling in Austria is currently the subject of a monopoly system, with the sole licence issued to Österreichische Lotterien Gesellschaft.
Land-based casinos are limited to 15 licences, while sports betting falls outside of the monopoly and is currently regulated at district level.
OVWG members include GVC, Interwetten, Mr Green and Kindred Group.