Gambling in Vienna: Is It Legal?
Yes, but under certain conditions. In Austria, gambling is regulated by the GSpG (Law on Games of Chance), which grants the Ministry of Finance the obligation to oversee all licensed operators. The scene is monopolized by state-run gambling operators, particularly by two companies:- Casinos Austria AG: It manages a dozen Austrian casinos and provides several types of table games and slots;
- Österreichische Lotterien GmbH: It provides lottery services, such as online lotteries and lottery scratch cards.
Traditional sports betting is regulated by more lax laws, as sportsbooks can be found almost everywhere throughout the country. Moreover, unlike online casinos, which can only be state-owned or have a valid concession, online sports betting through foreign bookmakers is allowed.
How Much Profit Do Austrian Casinos Make?
Given the most recent developments in the market, Australian casinos are expected to make around $27.26 million in total this year. If revenue actually increases at the estimated pace of 10.70%, the country will reach $40.93 million by the end of 2026. Here are more relevant estimations:- In 2022, the total number of downloads is expected to reach 1.6 million;
- Each download involves an average revenue of $17.34;
- Regarding casino games, the advertising revenue is projected to reach a total of $8.41 million.
While GGR has increased with each year, something that remains the same is the fact that in-app purchases generated more revenue than advertising. For instance, in 2022, in-app purchases are expected to generate an income of $18.78, while advertising revenue should be only $8.41. Another market characteristic is the revenue by store: each year, Google registered considerably higher revenues than Apple.
The gambling scene in the “City of Music”
During winter time, Vienna has to offer more than just Christmas markets. Vienna’s most notable casinos stand out through their exquisite architecture, class, and style. However, if you can’t find a venue to match your taste, there are always alternatives if you want to engage in some gambling activity while you’re traveling.For most players, the best alternative consists of online casinos: these can either be casinos that you can only access online or the online version of a land-based casino that wants to expand its activity.
However, there are several other activities you can take part in if you’re visiting Vienna in the winter.
What can you do in Vienna in December?
Vienna is a large city with a regulated gambling market so you can opt for more than just casino games during your time there. Another popular option is the lottery: traditionally, draws take place on Wednesdays and Sundays so that you can enjoy this activity up to two times a week. If this seems appealing, here are a few things to remember:- Austria provides online lotto services through Lottoland, a website where you can pay for tickets safely;
- Austrian lottery is not exclusively available for residents: if you access their platform from a country that is not restricted, you may be redirected to the designated website for clients from your country;
- This means that promotions and jackpots may differ.
Once you feel like taking a break from all gambling-related activities, Austria can become the perfect place to take long walks and visit tourist attractions. This is because it’s renowned for its architecture, castles, and buildings, so there’s a lot to see, even for the untrained eye. Thus:
Neue Burg
Neue Burg is part of the Hofburg winter palace, and it’s relatively new compared to the other buildings in Vienna. If you want to go inside, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Imperial Armoury, the Historical Music Instrument Collection, and the Ephesos Museum!
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace is undoubtedly the most renowned castle in Austria. The Habsburg rulers had their summer residence here, but its 300-year span shows a much more complex side of Austrian history. The palace can be visited daily, and tourists can buy an audio guide to help them learn the most about all 40 rooms.
Final thoughts
Vienna is a beautiful city where gamblers can make the most out of their vacation. However, Austria is fascinating enough to provide numerous alternatives whenever you feel like taking a break from casinos, especially if you enjoy sightseeing and architecture.Thus, this destination may provide you with an ideal visiting experience during the winter, especially if you catch the holiday season in December here!
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