Austria To Enter Online Poker Business

- Contributed by Catrina Rudd

In a recent press release, another country confirmed that they would be entering the Online Poker Market. The Gaming Intelligence Group reported that Austria will be launching a state run online poker site with the help and support of Boss Media and Svenska Spel. Jesper Kärrbrink, of Svenska Spel has confirmed the report.

Austria has decided to follow the Swedish example in the state run, designed and regulated online poker site. This will offer Austrian Citizens a secure online environment to play and compete in the online poker competitions. There will be expectations of responsible money management and player protection, with software automation that will enforce the responsible playing habits, similar to that applicable to Sweden's Online Poker Room. Austria is anticipated to enter the market live in early 2008.

Jesper Kärrbrink would not name the online poker operator involved with the development and management, however Gaming Intelligence Group confirmed Osterreichische Lotterien will offer the online poker site through their own online gaming website, win2day.at.

If the comparison to Svenska Spel's poker site is an indicator for Austria, the site should anticipate a rapid establishment of players on the site. Osterreichisches Lotterien is discussing the possible influx and strategy management with Svenska Spel closely as development continues. Svenska Spel launched the Swedish State Poker Room starting in March 2006. At that time they offered no bonuses or free rolls to catch people's attentions. Today, Svenska Spel is on the top 10 list of best poker networks to play in the world. With just over one third of Sweden's poker market, daily revenues exceed anticipated projections, going into 110 million Euros. They do this with only 2.5% of the entire online poker industry share. These impressive fiscal features must have leaned upon the government of Austria when considering the choice to open an Online Poker Room.

Svenska Spel's online poker room has enjoyed incredible brand recognition, and valuable levels of trust since the company emerged in 1997. Along side Osterreichische Lotterien, the online poker site being established by Austria will benefit for the same customer affinity. Their online gaming and gambling site, Win2Day.at has been open since 2003 with two platforms Casino Austria and Austrian Lotteries. Both hold fantastic appeal to the citizens of Austria, which will motivate the safe environment to be maintained for their citizens.

The online poker industry is responding positively to the new government founded online poker site. This is anticipated to move the game of poker further into the mainstream as a game of challenge and skill. This will facilitate incredible progress as one of the most common pastimes globally. This launch will also help to open the door to Austrian citizens who may not have chosen to play poker online otherwise, as occurred in Sweden.