ASX-listed slot machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT) confirmed on March 2nd that Austrian prosecutors have filed a demand for prosecution in a long-running investigation involving its former CEO Harald Neumann and majority shareholder Novomatic AG.
In a filing to the Australian Securities Exchange, AGT said it had been informed by Novomatic that the ‘last investigation has been concluded’ and that Austria’s Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) has ‘filed a demand for prosecution in an Austrian court.’
The company noted that, with the matter now subject to court proceedings, ‘it is premature at this stage to make any further comment’, but added it would ‘keep the market informed of any material developments in accordance with its continuous disclosure obligations’. AGT also said it is notifying ‘applicable regulators’ of the development.
The case forms part of Austria’s so-called “Casinos Affair,” linked to the 2019 “Ibiza Scandal” that led to the collapse of the Austrian government. Prosecutors allege a corrupt arrangement between senior Novomatic executives and former Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache relating to the appointment of a politically-affiliated candidate to the board of Casinos Austria in exchange for favorable legislative or licensing treatment.
While investigations into several political figures were discontinued in 2025 due to insufficient evidence of criminal intent, prosecutors have continued to pursue proceedings against Strache and senior Novomatic leadership.
Novomatic, which holds a 67.39 percent stake in AGT, has denied the allegations and indicated it was surprised by the decision to proceed, noting that earlier signals had suggested the final allegation might be discontinued.
In a statement to AGB, Novomatic spokesperson Alexandra Lindlbauer said the group has “consistently rejected all allegations as untrue from the very beginning.” She added that of the originally numerous accusations, all except the last remaining allegation had already been proven unfounded during the investigation and resulted in legally binding discontinuations. “We are therefore convinced that this last remaining allegation will also prove to be groundless, and we welcome clarification by an independent court,” she said.
Neumann stepped down as AGT CEO in October 2025. AGT has not indicated that the Austrian proceedings are expected to impact its operations or financial position at this stage.
