Poker in Vienna

The Legal Framework: Why Poker in Vienna is “Different”

Speaking in legal terms, Austria classifies poker as a game of chance, not skill, which means it falls under the federal Gambling Act (Glücksspielgesetz). Casinos Austria AG holds the monopoly on most forms of gambling, including traditional casino poker variants (like Ultimate Texas Hold’em) played against the house.

True player-vs-player poker (cash games and tournaments where players compete against each other) was historically reserved in dedicated “card casinos” under provincial licenses. However, after legal battles and EU pressure, many of these casinos either transitioned or closed down completely.

As of 2025, there are only two primary venues for classic Texas No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) and Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), one in the very heart of the city and the other about 20 minutes away in beautiful Baden.

Key Milestones in Vienna’s Poker Scene

• Early 2000s: The European poker boom reaches Austria. Vienna emerges as a hub for European pros and cash games due to relatively lenient laws (private games are allowed if no house profit is taken).
• 2005: Vienna hosts an event on the inaugural season of the European Poker Tour (EPT) at the Concord Card Casino, attracting 297 players, one of the largest fields that year.
• 2010–2014: EPT Vienna returns multiple times (e.g., Season 7 in 2010 with 587 players and a €2.9M prize pool; final edition in 2014). These events put Vienna on the international tournament map.

Top Poker Venues in Vienna

Concord Card Casino: The Former Poker Hub of Vienna

The Concord Card Casino (CCC) group, often referred to as Concord Card Club, was founded in 1993 in Vienna (specifically the Simmering district) by Austrian entrepreneur Peter Zanoni. It began as a pioneering poker venue in Austria at a time when organized poker was still emerging in Europe, with the Vienna-Simmering location serving as the group’s headquarters. The casino operated 24/7 and focused exclusively on poker (cash games and tournaments), distinguishing itself from traditional casinos by not offering slot machines.

Under Zanoni’s leadership, CCC rapidly expanded throughout Austria, growing to 12 locations and becoming Europe’s largest live poker provider by the 2010s. It gained a reputation for high-quality tournaments (including major events like the European Poker Tour stops), celebrity visitors, and professional operations.

In 2012, the group acquired the well-known Montesino Casino in Vienna, further solidifying its dominance. The Concord card room was great for me during the 2000 to 2004 period as I played a lot with the famous Tony G, Jean Robert Belland, and Jeff Lisandro in some very good 2 to 7 triple draw. At that time, the place also had a daily 2-2 blind PLO that played much bigger.

Top Poker Venues in Vienna Today

Unfortunately, due to legal battles with the government, the Concord and Montesino were forced to close, and now poker is played in private games or the two venues i will mention here.

1. Casino Vienna: This is the flagship of Casinos Austria glamorous, central, and tourist-friendly setup. Most days in this location, visitors and locals come and play Texas Hold’em and Omaha at low and middle limits. The games tend to start around 4pm and go on until 4 am with the casino closing at 5am.The days that I played there were several games going.
2. Casino Baden: One of Europe’s largest, most beautiful, and most elegant casinos, located in the historic spa town of Baden, about 26 km (16 miles) south of Vienna, Austria. Housed in a protected 19th-century building (originally a spa hotel from 1886, extensively renovated in the 1990s), it combines classic grandeur with modern gaming.

A Bit More About Casino Baden

Set right next to the scenic Kurpark (spa park), it’s a popular evening destination for Viennese and tourists alike, with a smart-casual dress code and entry from age 18 (photo ID required). Often called “the jewel” among Austrian casinos.

You’ll find a selection of Texas Hold’em and Omaha games here, which can draw in pretty big fields, especially during the Casinos Austria CAPT Baden that is currently underway. These two variants provide both the pros and the rookies a great opportunity to play the game with some of the most breathtaking views in the world.

Getting to Vienna or Baden is relatively simple and affordable from just about anywhere in Europe. If you’re a European player, just search through a few Ryanair or Wizz Air flights and you could be playing no later than tomorrow. However, keep in mind that accommodation in Vienna, and especially Baden, aren’t on the cheaper side.

A Few Final Tourist Recommendations from Me

Austria has much more to offer than just poker. So, if you’re visiting this central European country, make sure to get out of the casino at least for a day and visit at least some of these sights:

• Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens: The UNESCO-listed former summer residence of the Habsburgs, with opulent rooms, vast gardens, a maze, and the world’s oldest zoo. In winter, the Christmas market in front lights up the palace courtyard (open Nov 6, 2025–Jan 6, 2026). Book tickets online to skip lines.
• Hofburg Palace: The massive winter residence of the Habsburgs in the city center. Explore the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum (dedicated to Empress Elisabeth), and the Silver Collection. Nearby, catch the famous Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School (morning exercises or performances).
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): Vienna’s Gothic centerpiece with its colorful tiled roof. Climb the South Tower for panoramic views or descend into the catacombs. The surrounding Stephansplatz hosts a charming Christmas market.
• Belvedere Palace: Two stunning Baroque palaces housing Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. The gardens are lovely even in winter, and the Christmas village in front runs Nov 14–Dec 31, 2025.
• Good luck at the tables and see you in the winners circle!