This week, an Austrian High Court supported the Graz, Austria court ruling that ordered Malta-licenced Bet-At-Home to repay a problem gambler the Euro 950 000 he stole from his employer and lost playing online roulette.
The High Court supported the decision based on the online casino’s lack of an Austrian license to operate in the market, with the judge asserting: "Gambling offered without a proper Austrian concession will result in the contract between the plaintiff and online roulette provider being deemed illegal and ineffective. The plaintiff is entitled to a full refund of monies spent".
Commenting on the decision, the player's legal counsel, Christian Horwath, said it is a "groundbreaking" one, and a confirmation for the gambling monopoly. "The Austrian law has been applied. This is essential and player protection is viewed positively.”
On the other side, Bet-At-Home announced that it will appeal the ruling.
