Leadership Change at Casinos Austria: Andreas Bierwirth Set to Become New CEO

The leadership landscape at Austria's gambling giant, Casinos Austria (CASAG), is on the verge of a significant transformation. Andreas Bierwirth, who joined the executive board as Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) in October 2025, is widely expected to replace the current Director General, Erwin van Lambaart. Reports suggest that van Lambaart’s contract, which expires in March 2027, will not be renewed, clearing the way for Bierwirth to lead the company through a period of intense regulatory and digital change.

Bierwirth’s background is rooted in corporate turnarounds and digital evolution rather than traditional gaming. His career highlights include serving as CEO of Germanwings, a board member at Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, and the head of Magenta Telekom. This profile perfectly aligns with the strategic goals of the majority shareholder, the Allwyn Group, which emphasizes modernization and process efficiency. As part of a three-member board that currently includes van Lambaart and CFO Martin Skopek, Bierwirth has already been steering the group's international business and digital projects.

Numbers and facts

The ownership structure of Casinos Austria is a complex mix of private and state interests. While the Czech-based Allwyn Group, owned by billionaire Karel Komárek, holds the majority stake, the Austrian state holding company ÖBAG retains significant influence, including the right to nominate the CEO. Bierwirth officially joined the board on October 1, 2025. His potential promotion comes as the group faces the expiration of critical gambling licenses that dictate the company's future revenue streams.

Van Lambaart, a Dutch national who previously led Holland Casino, took over the helm in 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw the launch of a new online live casino and addressed structural challenges following tax increases. However, the move toward Bierwirth suggests a shift in priority toward a leader with deep roots in the Austrian business environment and a proven track record in digital restructuring.

"With the extension of the existing management board contracts and the addition of Andreas Bierwirth to the management board, the group is now led by an outstanding trio that will be able to best shape the challenges of the future." - Wolfgang Hesoun, Chairman of the Supervisory Board

Background

The transition is happening during a crucial phase for the group. In the coming year, the Austrian government will begin the process of reissuing gaming licenses. Ensuring these concessions remain with Casinos Austria is the top priority for the board. Robert Chvatal, CEO of co-owner Allwyn, previously noted that Bierwirth’s transformation skills would allow van Lambaart to focus entirely on the licensing battle. The news that van Lambaart may now leave entirely suggests that the shareholders believe the groundwork has been laid and a new phase of leadership is required.

Why it matters for German players

For players based in Germany, the internal shifts at Casinos Austria serve as a reminder of the differing regulatory landscapes within Europe. While CASAG is a dominant force in the DACH region, its online brand, win2day, operates under an exclusive Austrian license. This means it is legally inaccessible to residents of Germany, who must use platforms licensed by the German Joint Gambling Authority (GGL).

In Germany, the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) imposes strict limits, including a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit cap and a 1 Euro limit per spin on virtual slots. These protections, enforced through the LUGAS monitoring system, do not apply to Austrian residents using CASAG services. As Bierwirth accelerates the digital transformation in Austria, the German market remains a highly regulated silo where player protection and technical compliance take precedence over rapid digital expansion.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The focus on digital transformation at Casinos Austria signals a broader industry trend toward tech-heavy leadership. GGL-licensed operators in Germany face similar pressures to modernize their backend systems to handle real-time monitoring and strict identification requirements. Bierwirth’s appointment highlights that the future of gambling lies in seamless digital experiences. German operators must continue to innovate within their regulatory boundaries to compete with the sheer efficiency and user experience being developed by international giants like the Allwyn-backed Casinos Austria.