Are Casinos Austria Closing Part of Their Locations?

As part of budget consolidation, the black-red-pink government has decided to increase the betting fee from the current 2 percent to 5 percent starting April 1, 2025. This year, an additional revenue of 50 million euros is expected to be achieved. The government program also includes an increase in the gambling levy by 10 percent. The additional tax revenue from gambling for the public sector is expected to rise to 129 million euros in 2026 and then amount to around 150 million euros in 2027 and 200 million euros annually in 2028/29.

The Casinos CEO is "very happy that there is a government" that promises "stability and a plan for Austria." "Everyone must contribute to this. But I also believe that our corporate group will be strongly attacked if all of this is really implemented," criticized van Lambaart. He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Austrian Lotteries. The government's plans in the area of gambling would lead to "losing so much money that potentially the continuity of the company would be in danger," warned the company head.

Casinos Austria CEO Looks Ahead

"If an increase in the gambling tax of more than ten percent actually comes, there will be some smaller businesses that will no longer exist," said the Casinos Austria and Lotteries CEO to the "SN". It would then be necessary to "cut commissions from tobacconists, halve the sponsorship of sports, arts, and culture, and massively reduce media cooperations. Furthermore, "there will potentially be fewer casinos in the country."

(APA/Red)

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