Casinos Austria names Andreas Bierwirth as CEO-designate ahead of concession battle

On Wednesday, Casinos Austria announced the appointment of Andreas Bierwirth as the new CEO and chairman of the board of Austrian Lotteries (Österreichische Lotterien).

 Bierwirth will assume the leadership role on 14 March 2027, succeeding Erwin van Lambaart, whose current five-year contract is set to expire that month. 

Leadership transition 

The appointment results from an international search process led by a personnel consultancy. This followed Van Lambaart’s decision in September last year not to seek a contract extension. 

The outgoing CEO remarked that the changing operating environment “will benefit from a new leadership team that will guide the company into a promising future”. 

Van Lambaart is scheduled to step down at the end of his term in March 2027. He remains the chair of the European Casino Association (ECA) following his appointment in 2023. 

The leadership change will reduce the executive board to two members: Bierwirth and Martin Škopek. Bierwirth has been a member of the board since 2025. 

‘Aware of the challenges facing the group’

Edith Hlawati, a board member of the state holding company ÖBAG, which owns shares in Casinos Austria, praised Bierwirth’s appointment. She highlighted his suitability to lead through challenging times. “Andreas Bierwirth is very aware of the challenges facing the group,” she said. 

Supervisory board chairman Robert Zadrazil commended Van Lambaart for positioning the company “exceptionally well” to meet future challenges. 

Robert Chvatal, CEO of Allwyn, shareholder in Casinos Austria, welcomed Bierwirth’s appointment. He expressed confidence in their cooperation under Bierwirth and reaffirmed a shared commitment to responsible gaming in Austria. “I look forward to working with Bierwirth, an experienced manager whom I know will drive the next crucial steps for the group,” he stated. 

Chvatal also extended thanks to Van Lambaart, noting that Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries “are well positioned for the upcoming concession award”.

Prepared for the liberalised market

In response to his appointment, Bierwirth drew on the upcoming launch of the casino tender licences as a key objective for his tenure.

“The lottery and casino concessions are due to be re-awarded, which are the basis for our business in the future. We want to and will show that there is no better partner for this special business than our group of companies.” 

Casinos Austria currently holds all 12 land-based casino licences. Additionally, Austrian Lotteries’ brand Win2day currently holds the single licence available in the country for lotteries and online gaming. They boast a 15-year permit.

A draft bill published in June has decreed the end of Casinos Austria’s monopoly with eyes set on opening up the online market. In addition, the new bill set out plans for 13 casino licences, rather than the 12 currently operating.

“We will accept the competition and give everything to convince the players with our quality. The transition from a monopoly market to a liberalised market is always a very special management task for the former monopolist,” added Bierwirth.