Online gambling is available at any time via computer and smartphone. Many operators advertise aggressively for custom, and quite a few people lose considerable sums in the process. A large share of these losses arises with operators that hold no licence at all in Austria.
The legal situation is clear, enforcement is not always
In Austria, online gambling may only be offered with a licence. Apart from the licensed offering win2day, which is attributable to the Austrian Lotteries, the remaining operators act without an Austrian licence. If they invoke a licence from Malta and the EU freedom to provide services, that changes nothing: the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and Austrian courts regularly rule in favour of the players. Losses from playing with such operators are legally contestable and can be reclaimed.
The actual problem lies in enforcement. Many operators are based abroad and do not pay voluntarily even after a judgment. In that situation, enforcement abroad becomes necessary, which is barely manageable for individuals.
Why litigation funding makes sense
Precisely because the road can be long, support that bears the cost risk is sensible. R. M. Prozessfinanzierung GmbH assesses every case free of charge and, in the event of success, takes on the funding of the proceedings.
We assess every case confidentially and fund the proceedings so that those affected do not face these hurdles alone.
Ing. Ronald Mechtler, Managing Director of R. M. Prozessfinanzierung GmbH
The proceedings are conducted by cooperating lawyers. In the event of success, we retain from 35 percent of the amount won, and the remaining amount is paid out to you. Anyone who has the feeling of no longer being able to control their gambling will additionally find at BMF player protection, support services an overview of recognised counselling centres. More on the reclaim on the page Online casino and gambling.