A plan has been set forth by the Austrian government, which will ban poker games outside of casinos, starting in 2020. Casinos Austria, a Gaming corporation, was hoping the ban would start as early as 2017. Legislation will almost assuredly limit poker to licensed operators, which include casinos and electronic lotteries.
A form of pub poker, called “Wirsthauspoker” will be allowed under the stipulation that games can only be held once a quarter, with no more than 100 entrants, and no more than a 10 euro entry per person.
Casinos Austria, one of the world’s largest casino operators, has urged the state to take more forceful action towards illegal operators as well. Austria has taken actions in the past to fight excessive and problem gambling, with mixed success. One of the major issues has revolved around operators having to repay large sums to problem gamblers.
