Former Ainsworth CEO Charged In Austria Over Alleged Bribery Linked To Novomatic Probe

Austria’s Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption has filed charges related to bribery against former Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache and two executives linked to Novomatic. The investigation was first launched in 2018 and has now moved into the prosecution phase.

The two executives are Novomatic founder Johann Graf and former Novomatic and Ainsworth Game Technology CEO Harald Neumann. Neumann left AGT in October after the Nevada Gaming Control Board declined to renew his state gaming licence.

WKStA stated that the charges relate to allegations that Strache sought the appointment of Peter Sidlo to the board of Casinos Austria AG based on political alignment rather than professional qualification.

Allegations of Influence Over Licensing Decisions

Prosecutors allege that in exchange for supporting the appointment, Strache agreed to take decisions favourable to Casinos Austria on gambling licences. Novomatic held a 17.2% stake in Casinos Austria at the time.

WKStA confirmed that charges have been brought against Strache for accepting benefits to exert influence. It also filed charges against the “two executives of Novomatic AG” for granting benefits to exert influence.

In addition, prosecutors submitted an application for a fine against Novomatic AG under the Association Liability Act. The legislation allows companies to be held responsible for criminal offences committed by decision makers acting on their behalf.

WKStA stated that the statutory penalty for the alleged offences carries a maximum sentence of up to two years’ imprisonment.

Novomatic Rejects Allegations

Novomatic noted that the demand for prosecution by the Senior Public Prosecutor’s Office Vienna and the Federal Ministry of Justice was “not comprehensible”. The company stated that no new interrogations or evidence had been presented to justify the decision.

Novomatic spokesperson Alexandra Lindlbauer said: “Novomatic has consistently rejected all allegations as untrue from the very beginning.”

Lindlbauer added: “We are therefore convinced that this last remaining allegation will also prove to be groundless, and we welcome clarification by an independent court.”

Potential Implications for Ainsworth

The charges may have consequences for Ainsworth Game Technology, where Novomatic holds a 67.39% stake and Kjerulf Ainsworth owns 7.49%. The supplier has faced shareholder scrutiny over governance and disclosure matters linked to Novomatic’s recent attempt to take the company private.

Novomatic increased its holding in AGT to 66.84% after its off market takeover offer closed on 6 February 2026. The bid fell short of the 75% threshold required to trigger compulsory acquisition and full privatisation.