!!!Glücksspielmonopol

Gaming Monopoly: Games of chance are, according to Austrian law, 
defined as games that are decided, exclusively or largely, by luck or 
chance. The federal government (Ministry of Financial Affairs) is the 
only authority to grant licences for games of chance (1989 Act). 
Licences are only granted to Austrian companies (currently the  
Casinos Austria AG). It is forbidden by law to take part in any 
foreign game of chance. According to EU laws gaming is regulated by 
the individual member states since it is subject to law of public 
order and not benefit law. As a result the Austrian gaming monopoly 
was not affected by accession to the EU in 1995 as were other  
Monopolies.

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Gambling with slot machines with a stake not higher than 5 ATS and 
winnings less than 200 ATS are not subject to the monopoly. 
Oesterreichische  Lotterien Ges.m.b.H.) holds licenses issued by the 
Ministry of Finance for operating toto (various sports), lotto "6 
aus 45", bonus games, instant win lotteries (e.g. scratch-cards), 
Dutch Lottery and lottery. Numbers game, as well as raffles, lucky 
dips and "mock lotteries" are games of chance that are  legally 
practised in Austria and do not require a licence.

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Since the 16%%sup th/%  century, "hazard games" were gradually 
replaced by lucky dips, in which mainly silver, china and paintings 
were drawn from the pool. During the 18%%sup th/%  century, however, 
the lottery has gradually become the most popular game. Public games 
of chance were rather uncommon in Austria. In 1721 a game, similar to 
the Dutch Lottery was introduced for the first time. The 1813 
"Lottopatent" legalised the state lotteries (lotto, raffles, stakes in 
foreign lotteries). In 1871, gaming was considerably restricted in 
Austria, and abolition was repeatedly demanded by the Reichsrat. In 
1913, the  Klassenlotterie was introduced.

!Literature
H. Mayer, Staatsmonopole, 1976; P. Erlacher, 
Gluecksspielgesetz, %%sup 2/%1997.


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