Central Europe
OVWG calls forth that a new regulation with a licensing procedure is urgently needed in Austria
An amendment to the Gambling Act is anticipated to be presented by the Ministry of Finance with respect to Online Gambling. The draft which is expected to be presented in the near future will further establish the existing gambling monopoly by halting the suppliers from entering the market.
Irrespective of the Casinos Austria Group holding a monopoly over online casino in the country, it is estimated that approximately 60 percent of the share of the market is held by unlicensed providers.
In association Andreas Kreutzer, from Kreutzer Fischer & Partner, which carried out a recent scrutiny on gambling and sports betting on the internet disclosed that: “There is only one license for the online area, but the demand is much larger. Almost 60 percent of online gambling takes place in the gray market in Austria.”
Owing to the belief that serious providers must not be excluded from the market in the future, the Austrian Association for Betting and Gambling (OVWG) has expressed its opposition to the measure.
The OVWG called forth that a new regulation with a licensing procedure is urgently needed in Austria, but that 50 million and more than 1,000 qualified jobs are at risk with the planned revision. Game and betting stakes have increased by around 10 percent in the last two years, while the online market increased 25 percent in 2016.
While the BMF argues in its draft that player protection is a top priority, the OVWG said that the argument to justify the market exclusion of unlicensed reputable providers does not apply because some already have valid EU licenses, therefore they meet high standards in terms of player protection.
Claus Retschitzegger, the President of the OVWG, said: “We also agree with the Federal Ministry of Finance on this topic. After all, nobody can have any interest in the fact that gambling takes place in digital back rooms.”
“If the law were to come into force in the recently submitted and then withdrawn version, this would have far-reaching consequences: it would force reputable suppliers out of the market. We are talking about 1,000 highly qualified jobs and 50 million euros of sponsorship and marketing expenses each year, which are endangered to the highest degree, Retschitzegger added.
Central Europe
Wazdan amplifies Swiss presence with Swiss4Win launch
Wazdan, the gain-focused developer behind some of the world’s most rewarding casino game experiences has further expanded in the regulated Swiss market, taking its games live with Swiss4Win.
The collaboration enhances Wazdan’s profile in the country with Swiss4Win’s leading online gambling platform revolutionising player experiences with the introduction of the studio’s exciting range of games.
As Wazdan continues to deliver the world’s most rewarding casino game experiences, this new partnership heralds a new era of entertainment. Players can look forward to a diverse selection of captivating slots designed to appeal to Swiss players.
In conjunction with this partnership, Swiss4Win unveils its new website, meticulously crafted to enhance user engagement. The platform boasts a cutting-edge SEO-oriented design, complemented by a sleek dark mode interface. With a heightened focus on slot providers, the website features a dedicated page showcasing premier gaming offerings.
Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales and Business Development at Wazdan, said: “We’re excited to join forces with swiss4win.ch to introduce our latest games to players worldwide. This collaboration represents a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in the iGaming industry.”
Paolo Sanvido, Chief Executive Officer at Casino Lugano and Swiss4Win, added: “Wazdan’s distinguished reputation stems from its exceptional graphics and innovative features, which have resonated with players globally. Its dedication to crafting enriching casino experiences offers players greater control over their gaming preferences and seamlessly aligns with our audience’s interests.”
Central Europe
Aleatrust Signs Up as Supporting Member of the Austrian Sports Betting Association
The Austrian Sports Betting Association (OSWV) has welcomed Aleatrust as a new supporting member on board.
Above all, the comprehensive training offered by the E-Casino Academy launched by Aleatrust, which also focuses on the needs of the sports betting industry, is an important asset that will also be available to OSWV members from now on. Central topics such as money laundering prevention, data protection, data security and compliance, including anti-corruption, whistleblower protection and code of conduct, are of central importance here and are comprehensively covered by the E-Casino Academy.
Sharif Shoukry, Managing Director of OSWV, said: “The new active supporting membership of Aleatrust is an important step forward for the OSWV and its members. It provides access to tailor-made training that is specifically tailored to the requirements and challenges of our industry. We are convinced that this cooperation will make a significant contribution to professionalization and security in the Austrian sports betting market.”
A significant benefit of the partnership is the availability of their training programs online, allowing OSWV members to access essential knowledge anytime and anywhere. This flexible learning environment offers an optimal solution to meet the need for continuous education and training without relying on traditional, time- and location-bound training formats. This type of training not only saves valuable resources, but also allows for consistent and high-quality training of employees, regardless of their individual schedules or the location of the company.
“To be accepted into the circle of supporting members of the OSWV is a great recognition for Aleatrust. It confirms our commitment and expertise in developing and delivering world-class training programs that are specifically tailored to the gambling and sports betting industry,” Niklas Sattler, Managing Director of Alatrust, said.
Particularly noteworthy is the specialised course on money laundering prevention, developed in collaboration with the renowned expert Dr. Elena Scherschneva. Given their extensive experience and recognized expertise in training employees of numerous sportsbooks, the availability of this course online represents a unique opportunity for members to benefit from the highest level of expertise. This underscores the OSWV’s commitment not only to strengthen the industry in terms of compliance and security, but also to promote a responsible and honest betting environment.
Central Europe
Nolimit City Announces Partnership with win2day
Nolimit City, the award-winning slot provider, has announced a strategic partnership with win2day, the online gaming arm of Austrian Lotteries. Through Evolution’s in-house One Stop Shop platform, Nolimit City has officially launched its captivating game offering in Austria for the very first time.
win2day, holding the exclusive license to run electronic lotteries in Austria has long been an established player in the market, offering a comprehensive selection of games and sports betting on a single website and now hosts a selection of Nolimit City’s trailblazing titles.
Austrian gaming enthusiasts can now immerse themselves in the cutting-edge online slots crafted by Nolimit City, including the highly acclaimed Fire in the Hole xBomb. This announcement follows closely the news of Nolimit City’s recent expansion into South Africa.
Malcolm Mizzi, Commercial Director at Nolimit City, said: “After a sensational start to the year, we are thrilled to keep the momentum going with this fantastic news. Collaborating with a renowned brand like win2day underscores our dedication to expanding into new markets and only fuels our ambition to become the very best!”
Georg Wawer, Managing Director of win2day, said: “As the only licensed online gaming provider in Austria, we strive towards continuously expanding our game portfolio while also maintaining the highest quality standards. Nolimit City is the perfect fit for that. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”
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