Rapani Rechtsanwälte

History and Founding

Rapani Rechtsanwälte was founded in 2013 by Dr. Christian Rapani as a sole proprietorship in Graz, Austria. The firm transitioned to a limited liability company (Rapani Rechtsanwälte GmbH) in July 2025, as recorded in the Austrian company register (FN 658192 f). Dr. Rapani, an attorney at law, built the practice around his expertise in business law, with a growing emphasis on the highly regulated gambling sector.

Practice Areas and Business Model

The firm positions itself as a full-service business law firm with four primary pillars: Corporate Law/M&A (formation, restructuring, transactions), Contract Law (drafting, negotiation, enforcement), Public Commercial Law (securities supervision, gaming and betting law, administrative offences), and eSports (youth protection, employment, tax, IP, gaming law). Its gaming and betting practice is the standout strength, advising both B2C and B2B clients on licensing, regulatory compliance, business model adaptation, and litigation. The firm generates revenue through legal fees from corporate clients, gambling operators, and investors, as well as from representation in player claims and regulatory proceedings.

Market Position and Reputation

Rapani Rechtsanwälte has carved out a niche as a dedicated advisor in Austrian and European gambling law, a fragmented and legally complex field. Dr. Christian Rapani is a recognised authority, co-authoring numerous publications such as "Judikatur und Entwicklungen bei Spielerklagen in Österreich" (ZfWG 2025) and "Online-Wetten in Österreich – Höchstgerichtliche Judikatur und Lösungsansätze" (ZfWG 2023). The firm contributes the Austria chapter to The Gambling Law Review and The Legal 500 Gambling Law Comparative Guide, reinforcing its thought leadership. Its client base includes operators, suppliers, and investors navigating Austrian and EU regulatory landscapes.

Litigation and Regulatory Focus

The firm is heavily involved in litigation around player claims for losses incurred through unlicensed operators, a hot topic in Austrian courts. It also represents clients before the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights, particularly on fundamental rights issues related to gambling restrictions. The practice covers loot box regulation and the intersection of gambling with employment and tax law in the eSports sector.

Structure and Leadership

The firm operates from a single office at Parkstraße 1, 8010 Graz, Austria. Headcount is not publicly disclosed, but the team appears lean; the website lists Dr. Christian Rapani as the primary attorney, with associates and partners not named on public pages. No other C-suite roles are identified. Dr. Rapani is the founder and lead attorney, confirmed via the firm’s website, the Austrian Bar Association lawyer directory, his LinkedIn profile, and the company register.