Casinos Austria has appointed Andreas Bierwirth as CEO and chairman of the board of Austrian Lotteries, taking over from Erwin van Lambaart in March 2027.
Casinos Austria has named Andreas Bierwirth CEO and chairman of the board of Austrian Lotteries, assuming the post on 14 March 2027. He succeeds Erwin van Lambaart and leads the group into the liberalisation of its online gaming market.
- The Bierwirth Appointment
- A Liberalised Online Market Is the Mandate
- The Tender: 13 Casino Licences
- Stakeholders Back the New CEO
Casinos Austria named Andreas Bierwirth as CEO and chairman of the board of Austrian Lotteries on Wednesday. He takes the post on 14 March 2027, replacing Erwin van Lambaart, whose five-year contract ends that month.
The appointment followed an international search run by a personnel consultancy, after van Lambaart decided in September last year not to seek a contract extension. Bierwirth has served on the executive board since 2025. He will leave the executive board down to two members alongside himself and Martin Škopek.
Casinos Austria Names Bierwirth Ahead of the Tender
Edith Hlawati of ÖBAG, the state holding company that holds shares in Casinos Austria, called Bierwirth “very aware of the challenges facing the group”. Robert Zadrazil, chairman of the supervisory board, credited van Lambaart with positioning the company “exceptionally well” for what comes next.
The new chief executive framed his mandate around the concession process. “The lottery and casino concessions are due to be re-awarded, which are the basis for our business in the future,” he said. “We want to and will show that there is no better partner for this special business than our group of companies.”
A Liberalised Online Market Is the New Mandate
A draft bill published in June ends Casinos Austria’s monopoly over online gaming. The measure also raises the number of casino licences from 12 to 13, opening the online market to competitors. Bierwirth said the company will take the change as given.
“We will accept the competition and give everything to convince the players with our quality,” he said. “The transition from a monopoly market to a liberalised market is always a very special management task for the former monopolist.”
The Tender: 13 Casino Licences, 12 in One Company
Casinos Austria holds all 12 land-based casino licences in Austria. Austrian Lotteries’ Win2day brand holds the country’s only lottery and online gaming licence, with a permit running for 15 years. That combination makes the group a near-total monopoly, which the June draft bill removes.
AGBrief has tracked the European licensing reform agenda.
Stakeholders Back Bierwirth for the Concession Award
Robert Chvatal, CEO of Allwyn, a shareholder in Casinos Austria, said he looked forward to working with the new chief executive. “I look forward to working with Bierwirth, an experienced manager whom I know will drive the next crucial steps for the group,” he said. He also reaffirmed Allwyn’s shared commitment to responsible gaming in Austria.
Van Lambaart remains chair of the European Casino Association (ECA), where he was appointed in 2023. He is stepping down as chief executive at the end of his term in March 2027 but will carry the association seat. His outgoing remarks pointed forward rather than back: “The changing operating environment will benefit from a new leadership team that will guide the company into a promising future.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Casinos Austria CEO?
Andreas Bierwirth is the CEO and chairman of the board of Austrian Lotteries. He takes office on 14 March 2027, succeeding Erwin van Lambaart. He has been a member of the board since 2025.
When does van Lambaart step down?
Erwin van Lambaart’s five-year contract expires in March 2027. He chose not to seek a renewal in September last year. He continues as chair of the European Casino Association following his 2023 appointment.
What is Bierwirth’s priority?
He is targeting the re-award of the lottery and casino concessions, which he calls the basis of the group’s business. His focus is on winning the liberalised online market rather than defending the old monopoly.
How many casino licences will exist?
A June draft bill sets out plans for 13 casino licences, up from the 12 Casinos Austria currently operates. The same measure ends its online gaming monopoly, opening the segment to other operators.
Why is the online market liberalising?
Casinos Austria holds every land-based licence and a single 15-year online permit through Win2day. The June draft bill removes both the monopoly and the two-licence structure. Bierwirth called the shift from monopoly to competition a special management task.
This article has been thoroughly researched and reviewed by the CasinoBait editorial team to ensure accuracy and relevance for Asian casino players.
