Best Online Casinos in Austria

Introduction: Review of the best Austrian online casinos

No deposit bonuses allow you to receive without waiving wagering requirements. And, of course, bonuses where you don't get a refunded wager after you've made a wager only give back your winnings. All kinds of bonuses will be given to Austrian players when they first sign up at an online casino. Many top sites have jackpot slots that offer the biggest winnings in the industry. Everyone can start their online casino journey right now.

About Austrian online casinos

Gambling is an important and interesting pastime for many, and it is legal in many countries of the world. However, some players go deeper into the game without knowing the facts of their country. The only way to play safely at both online and regular casinos in Austria is to learn as much as possible about gambling locally. That's why we've put together a detailed post with everything you need to know about online casinos in Austria. Keep reading for more information.

Guide to online casinos for Austrian players

Some of the most recommended casino games in Austria include the following:

• Slots;
• Roulette;
• Black Jack;
• Progressive Slots;
• Sic Bo;
• Scratch Cards;
• European Roulette;
• Pai Gow Poker;
• American Roulette and European Roulette;
• Caribbean Stud Poker.

The most famous online games include:

1. Online backgammon;
2. Online Keno;
3. Online Video Poker;
4. Casino War;
5. Online Casino Holdem.

Online casinos in Austria are safe and fair due to numerous laws regulating local gambling. In addition, they are very convenient. You can play at home or anywhere else as long as you have a computer or mobile device and an Internet connection.

Their accounts can be opened in minutes, and you can deposit and play right away. Some casinos allow new users to play without depositing money first, so you can get a feel for the games you would like to play.

Online gambling has expanded to include a live casino in Austria. Essentially, these are online gambling games with 3D action that you are guaranteed to find in regular casinos. They are a favorite of most players because their payback percentage is much higher than other games.

Live casino games use leading gaming software so that you can enjoy a great gaming experience. However, the top-notch quality that these games require makes them very expensive. Thus, most casinos have very few live games. Roulette, sic bo, blackjack and baccarat are the most popular live casino games.

Austrian slang used in gambling

• A bankroll is money set aside by a player for gambling purposes. Most experienced players have it, but casual players don't necessarily need it;
• Ante is the bet a player makes before the cards are dealt;
• Optimal strategy is the combination of moves that is guaranteed to bring the player a simple payoff from the game;
• Fixed odds - Fixed odds games usually have predetermined payouts and odds of winning. They mostly refer to table games and slot machines;
• Gamestop - it is possible to block a game account. You can bypass the system by selecting bookmakers that are not on Gamestop. This way, you can resume withdrawals and deposits;
• Casino advantage is the casino's advantage to its customers. Casino advantage is expressed as a percentage. Casinos that have casino advantage, say 5%, usually end up taking the same percentage of the money you wager;
• Croupier is a term that refers to a casino employee who is in charge of high stakes tables such as roulette.

How to choose the best Austrian online casino?

To choose a great online casino in Austria, there are several factors to consider. It is unlikely that you will be cheated given the strict federal laws, but you still need to check the following aspects to get the right gaming experience.

License

All online casinos must be licensed to operate legally in Austria. Thus, you should check the licensing information of the casino at the bottom of its web page. Playing in an illegal casino can cost you your winnings if the casino closes without warning.

Games and game providers

Playing slot machines for fun may not seem like such a big deal if you play for free, but when you play for money, you should check which games are provided and their providers. The most famous casino games in the world are created by companies like Playtech and Microgaming Casino Software. Online casinos with games from these providers are guaranteed to perform well.

Help & Support

You are bound to have problems or concerns that need to be addressed regarding your gambling activity. Respected casinos have a 24/7 support team that is always ready to solve your problem. You can contact them by email or talk to their bots or chat agents.

Special Offers

The best online casino should offer bonuses to new and existing players. Most casinos have a limited number of free spins for online slots, no deposit bonuses for regular players and better offers for VIP players.

Payment options

The online casino you choose should offer a wide range of payment methods and accept your preferred banking method. You can also read the terms and conditions to make sure that the casino processes winnings at an acceptable speed.

Bonuses and game promotions at Austrian online casinos

1. LeonVegas Casino - Welcome bonus up to 2,500 euros + 200 Cash spins;
2. Lucky Days Casino - Welcome bonus up to 1,000 euros + 200 Free spins;
3. 888 Casino - Welcome bonus up to 140 euros + 30 euros Extra;
4. Betway Casino - 100% Welcome bonus up to 100 euros;
5. 7bit Casino - 100% Welcome bonus up to 100 euros or 1.5 BTC + 100 Free spins;
6. National Casino - 100% Welcome bonus up to 100 euros;
7. Energy Casino - 100% Welcome bonus up to 400 euros + 30 Free spins;
8. WooCasino - 100% Welcome bonus up to 200 euros + 200 Free spins;
9. BitStarz Casino - 100% Welcome bonus up to 1000 euros;
10. PlayAmo - 100% Welcome bonus up to 100 euros + 100 Free spins.

Online gambling in Austria

Online gambling in Austria is also a monopoly and is run by Casinos Austria AG. The company has been operating in this market for more than 15 years.

Austrian law defines online games mainly as electronic lotteries. Online lotteries and poker are delivered on the win2day platform. Sports betting is a brand of tipp3.

Popular slot machines in Austria

The Greentube concern is based just in Austria, so its slots online to win real money are presented in large numbers. The picture at online casinos looks somewhat different. The most popular online slot machines presented on the largest Austrian site win2day are:

• Cave Explorer;
• Robin of Sherwood;
• Almgaudi;
• Moby Dick;
• River of Riches.

1. Cave Explorer - slot machine company Rabcat. Five-reel slot is dedicated to crystals. Here are implemented cascading reels - winning symbols disappear and new ones fall from above in their place. On the playing field are allocated special cells, the symbols in which become "wild". There is a chance to get 15 freespins.
2. Robin of Sherwood is a five-reel slot machine from Rabcat with 243 ways to win. The bonus feature turns the entire reel into a wild. There is a chance to get freespins. There is also a chance to hit the jackpot. The risk game doubles the prize.
3. Almgaudi is a slot machine from Rabcat, dedicated to the mountain farm. Contains 5 reels, two wild symbols and offers 25 lines. There is a chance to get freespins and two jackpots.
4. Moby Dick is a five-reel slot machine from Rabcat. The bonus feature - secures symbols on the screen, giving more chances to win. Freespins and jackpots are also given out. The risk game allows you to double the prize.
5. River of Riches is a machine similar to Book of Ra from Greentube. Rabcat slot is dedicated to Ancient Egypt. Contains 5 reels, 25 prize lines and two "wild" symbols. There is a chance to get freespins and a jackpot.

Developers of online casino software

Austria is famous for a large number of developers of slot machines, games and casino equipment. Here is a list:

• Amatic Industries is a developer of slot machines (cabinets), electronic roulette, video lottery terminals. Also supplies jackpot systems and casino management systems. Founded in 1993 and based in Rutzenmoos, Austria.
• APEX Gaming Technology is a manufacturer of slot machines for online and mobile platforms as well as table games, jackpot systems, casino equipment. The company also developed the EVO platform. Located in Gutau. Was founded in 2003.
• Greentube is a concern that produces slot machines, games, cabinets, multiplayers, lotteries, sports betting solutions, site management systems, media technology for casinos. Most of the activity is focused on land-based establishments. The group was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Gumpoldskirchen. Greentube, Mazooma and other slot developers belong to this holding company.
• Rabcat is a developer of gaming applications for the mobile and online industry. The portfolio contains video slots, video poker, casino table games and 3D games. The company was founded in 2001 and is based in Vienna. All games are available only on the Quickfire platform (Microgaming).

Prospects for the development of gambling business in Austria

September 2016 marked the successful restructuring of Casinos Austria. The organization's financial report of the same year reports that its profits amounted to 18.9 million EUR. Austrian casinos are expanding their influence abroad. For example, in the same year, Casinos Austria received a license in Hungary and opened Sopron casino.

Greentube continues its aggressive policy of acquiring casinos and development companies. The holding company is diversifying its business and directing its attention to new markets, such as South Africa and Latin America.

The European Union considers it wrong that Austria supports a monopoly in the gambling business. However, the laws are approved in a way that nominally allows other companies to enter the market. In fact, foreign operators and new producers experience almost insurmountable bureaucratic difficulties.

Popular Austrian deposit and withdrawal methods

Austrian players have a wide range of payment options due to Austria's close relations with other European countries. These methods usually vary from casino to casino, but most are based on the same services.

It is important to note that some platforms offer exclusive withdrawal or deposit methods. Thus, you should contact your online casino in Austria beforehand to avoid any inconvenience in the future.

Most Austrian gaming platforms use the following banking options:

• PayPal;
• Neteller;
• Skrill;
• EcoPayz;
• Credit and debit cards;
• EntroPay;
• Paysafecard;
• UseMyFunds;
• Sofort Banking;
• Citadel Banking;
• Courier check;
• Wire transfer;
• Bitcoin.

Legislative regulations for online casinos in Austria

Who regulates gambling in Austria?

Slot machines and table games such as blackjack and roulette are regulated by the Austrian Ministry of Finance. Poker and bingo are regulated by the same ministry together with the Austrian Tax Office. The Austrian Civil Code is the most important law regulating betting and gambling activities, while the Electronic Commerce Act provides for betting and gambling on the Internet.

The Unfair Competition Act is formulated in accordance with the EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. It maintains a list of prohibited trade practices, including betting and gambling.

There is a Federal Gambling Act, which regulates gambling in Austria with special provisions for regular casinos, lotteries, poker and online casinos. There is currently an international debate as to whether poker is a game of skill or chance, but it is currently classified as gambling under Austrian law.

However, in order for poker to fall under the Federal Gambling Act, it must be played with capital in order for there to be a payout. It must also be established by a recognized broker or casino.

Betting on sports in Austria is regulated at the state level. Each state has a local gambling law and a competent authority to regulate and enforce it. Slot machines, which are not used in casinos, are also subject to these regulations. However, it is important to note that slot machines outside of casinos are prohibited in some states of Austria.

The Unfair Competition Act has established a number of restrictions governing gambling businesses. It prohibits advertising of gambling to minors. It also has explicit laws against the promotion of financial pyramid games, which require players to pay in order to benefit from new players joining the scheme.

The Austrian Criminal Code also prohibits and criminalizes the promotion of gambling activities without the necessary licensing. The federal gambling law contains a list of administrative criminal offenses related to illegal gambling, as well as fines of up to 60.00 euros.

Regulation and licensing

Regulations governing online casinos, lotteries, sports betting and horse racing:

• Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (Austrian Civil Code).
• E-Commerce Gesetz (Electronic Commerce Act).
• Bundesgesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (Unfair Competition Act, UWG).
• Glücksspielgesetz (Federal Gambling Act, GSpG).
• Finanzmarkt-Geldwäschegesetz (Money Laundering Law, FM-GWG).

The UWG contains a blacklist of casinos in Austria and games banned in the country. According to Austrian law, inclusion in this stop-list is not a punishment for illegal gambling activities.

Offering online entertainment without an Austrian license is prohibited.

Internet casino gambling is mentioned in Section 12 of the GSpG: the monopoly "electronic lotteries" is the company Österreichische Lotterien GmbH.

The license for virtual machines, card games is issued by BMF. Permission for online sports betting is obtained in each county separately if the entertainment is offered in one province.

Poker in the country is considered a game of chance (Section 1 GSpG), the success of which does not depend on the skill or dexterity of the player and whose integral part are cash contributions and rewards.

Sports betting is allowed in Austria. Their regulation depends on the state. The 9 counties have different regulatory bodies and local laws.

Taxation

• Sports betting - 2%;
• Online games - 40% of gross income;
• Lotteries - 2-27.5% depending on the size of bets.
• Payment of VAT by online casino operators in Austria is not provided.

According to anti-money laundering regulations, virtual gambling providers must carefully identify visitors (electronic passports, driving licenses). All suspicious activity must be reported to the Financial Intelligence Unit. Licensees must have an anti-money laundering officer on staff.

Technical requirements for virtual slot machines

1. setting the system of warning and protection of user data;
2. regulation of the minimum and maximum duration of games;
3. determination of the payout coefficients;
4. confirmation of technical requirements by an expert opinion;
5. connection of the machines to the Federal Computer Center (Bundesrechenzentrum);
6. betting terminals have serial numbers, which need to be provided to the authorities;
7. The storage of betting data in the "electronic book".

The basic legal and technical requirements are outlined in the GSpG. According to Section 21, the licensee must be a corporation headquartered in the EU or EEA. The minimum share capital is 22 million euros. The maximum authorization period is 15 years.

The licensing criteria are specified in sections 14 and 21 of the GSpG. The registration fee for obtaining a permit ranges from €10,000 to €100,000.

Online casino operators are liable for violating the GSpG. Chairmen, founders of companies operating illegally in Austria are subject to sanctions under Section 168.

Participation in illegal gambling at online casinos in Austria can be punished in accordance with Section 168 GSpG - an administrative fine.

Austrian gambling laws are being adapted to EU regulations. Clauses on Engelmann, Dickinger and Ömer, HIT and HIT Larix, Pfleger, Admiral Casinos and Online Games were referred to the CJEU (European Court of Justice).

The CJEU concluded that the Austrian monopoly did not comply with EU regulations. The Austrian Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof) rejected the decision of the Supreme Court. But the GSpG is being actively reformed: requirements for transparent licensing procedures and changes to the monopoly clauses are being introduced.

Since July 1, 2020, the regulatory authority issuing licenses for virtual gambling establishments became Finanzamt Österreich (Tax Office). The amendment was adopted to comply with the 4th EU Directive.

UWG sets restrictions for players and operators. It is not allowed to broadcast advertisements aimed at minors and to promote "pyramid schemes" (introduction of new players into the scheme). But lawsuits against licensees for violations of this law in Austria are not considered (Article 56, paragraph 1 of the GSpG).

Adult persons (from the age of 18) can play at online casinos in Austria. The protection of the rights of minors is regulated separately by the Bundesländer of each federal state. All restrictions are laid down in the Jugendschutzgesetze regulation.

There are no provisions for blocking Internet Service Providers (ISP) or Payment Service Providers (PSP) in Austrian law.

To protect players, the GSpG specifies requirements, most of which must be met by the operator before a license can be granted. Every Austrian has the possibility of self-exclusion.

Is gambling legal in Austria?

Gambling is legal in Austria. However, despite their legality, games such as sports betting, card games, poker and slot machines are strictly regulated throughout the country. The government decided to introduce stricter laws after it became clear that the population was developing an addiction to gambling.

The Austrian government distinguishes between "regular" gambling with large sums of money and low stakes slot machines and card games, commonly known as "Kleines Gluksspiel." Low stakes gambling can be played anywhere, but high stakes gambling is only allowed in some casinos.

Austrian casinos are required to obtain online gambling licenses if they offer their services online, on mobile devices or interactive television. They can only be used by residents of Austria. Foreign casinos wishing to attract Austrian players usually face many obstacles from the local office and supervisory board.

Land casinos in Austria by region

It is recommended not to visit the casino in sportswear. If, however, you, at the time of your visit, do not have appropriate clothing, you can visit the "Jack Pot Casino" or get a jacket in the closet.

Games: American Roulette, Easy Roulette, Black Jack, Tropical Stud Poker, Easy Poker, Texas Holdem, Joker Wheel, Sic Bo and slot machines with MEGA million dollar Jackpot.

Gambling halls in Austria

Slot machines theoretically fall under the gaming monopoly, but slot machine halls, which are under the jurisdiction of regional local governments, are taken out of the restrictions of the law. Under the definition of a "provincial" slot machine hall fall saloons with several dozen slot machines (10 to 50) or other premises with a maximum of three "stand-alone" slot machines that are available for public use. The biggest difference between slot machines in casinos and "provincial" halls with slot machines is the regulation of bets and winnings. Stakes in "provincial" slot machines in saloons are limited to 10 euros and winnings to 10,000 euros. If the machine is installed "autonomously", for example in restaurants or gas stations, the bets are limited to 1 euro and winnings to 1,000 euro.

Currently, vending machines are allowed in five of the country's nine federal states - Burgenland, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Carinthia and Styria.

Betting and lotteries in Austria

The lottery market is monopolized. The only lottery license was issued to Österreichische Lotterien Gesellschaft (Austrian Lotteries). Austrian Lotteries is licensed to conduct Lotto, Toto, Bingo for real money, Betting, Letterbox and scratch card lotteries as well as electronic lotteries via the Internet and through video lottery terminals. More than 5,100 lottery outlets are available throughout Austria.

The Tipp3 brand has been operating in Austria since 2001 and accepts bets at terminals and online casinos. 3,300 betting points throughout Austria.

Conclusion of the review of the best online casinos in Austria

You could say that the laws regarding online gambling in Austria are too strict, but that's a good thing for the player. You are sure that your casinos are checked and licensed by the state and not just by some people who want to disappear with your money. We hope you found this article useful and that you have all the information you need to go on and enjoy your favorite online casino games.