Regulations of Online Gambling in Hungary and Expected Changes in the Future
February 15, 2025 Tony ChristopherHungary is a country that the hype over online gambling development did not miss. It is one of the European jurisdictions that established specific laws and regulations to control gaming activities in its territory.
However, the industry is evolving rapidly, and significant regulatory changes are expected to occur in 2025. This guide will shed more light on the current situation of gambling regulations in Hungary and how the environment is expected to change.
Online Gaming Regulations in Hungary – Current Situation
Like other European countries, Hungary has a structured and well-established approach to online gambling regulations. The current laws are designed to impose strict control over the gaming industry in the country and, at the same time, provide a secure environment for players.
The gambling laws and regulations in the country are connected to the national legislation, and dedicated governing bodies enforce it. The idea behind this is that all gaming activities are conducted fairly and transparently with a strong focus on customer protection. Here are more details about the regulation of online gambling in Hungary:
- Regulatory Framework and Control Organizations – The online casino industry in Hungary is controlled by the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities of Hungary (SZTFH). It operates under the Ministry of Finance and controls all gaming activities. It is in charge of guaranteeing that operators meet strict safety measures and other essential requirements. The regulatory framework is connected to the Gambling Act, which indicates the rules for licensing, taxation, and player protection.
- Process of Licensing and Requirements – To operate legally in the country, gambling sites need to obtain a license from the Gambling Supervision Department. The process of licensing includes a thorough analysis of the operator’s financial policies, technical level, and commitment to responsible gambling. At the same time, online operators are required to pay taxes and fees, which are used to boost the country’s budget. The strict licensing process and regulations aim to prevent players from potential fraud on behalf of non-trusted operators.
- Player Protection and Commitment to Responsible Gambling – Protecting players is one of the significant concerns related to gambling regulations in the country. To meet these criteria, the government has set several essential measures. These include strict age verification procedures, options for self-exclusion, and limits on losses.
At the same time, the best online casino sites in Hungary are required to promote responsible gambling through support services and campaigns.
Challenges that the Hungarian Gambling Industry Faces
Although the online gaming industry in Hungary is well-managed and appropriately controlled, there are still specific challenges ahead. They concern both online operators and players and include factors like high competition, advancement of new technological innovations, and adaptation to current and new regulations. Find more about these crucial factors in the following paragraphs.
Competition from Other Operators in the iGaming Sector
While the gambling sites that want to operate legally in Hungary need to obtain licenses and adhere to strict regulations, many international operators can still accept players from the country without having the necessary certifications.
Gamblers in the country are not prohibited from accessing different types of online casinos that may often offer more attractive promotions and a broader range of games. To some extent, this situation negatively affects the local gaming industry and poses a risk to players who gamble with non-licensed operators.
To cope with this issue, the government has tried different measures to block foreign operators and impose fines on those without local licenses from the The Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SARA).
Adaptation to Technological Innovations and Regulatory Changes
Technological innovations allow online gambling sites to implement new features and options, offering more engaging services to their customers. However, this also requires setting new regulatory frames to prevent players from potential harm and risks.
Some of the factors that influence online gambling trends nowadays include mobile gaming, rapid digitalization of services, and the development of blockchain technologies. Therefore, the Hungarian government faces the challenge of adapting gambling laws and regulations to address these factors and clarify the law frame.
Expected Changes Regarding Gambling Regulations in 2025
In the spectrum of the turbulent changes that accompany the iGaming industry, Hungary aims to implement amendments to modernize the online gambling landscape.
The expected changes aim to address the factors influencing the modern gambling sector. The new gambling regulations are supposed to have a wider grip on the different aspects of gambling modernization.
Proposed Amendments on Existing Regulations
In 2025, Hungary is expected to introduce significant amendments to online casino regulations. The changes are supposed to make the licensing process more straightforward and reduce the administrative burdens on operators. Improving the measures for player protection is also expected to come into effect.
One of the proposals includes introducing a unified licensing system that will allow operators to offer multiple gambling services under a single license. This aims to attract more reputable operators to join the Hungarian market and, at the same time, guarantee even better regulatory control.
Dealing with Regulations Regarding the New Technological Innovations
The integration of new technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies affects the iGaming sector. This, of course, will lead to changes in how specific services should be offered.
The amendment of the current regulations will be necessary to address new security issues, data privacy, fraud prevention, etc. Hungarian authorities are currently exploring ways to incorporate these technologies into the regulatory framework, ensuring they can be harnessed safely and effectively.
New Consumer Protection Tendencies and Responsible Gambling
Without a doubt, promoting responsible gambling and stable player protection policies will remain a top priority for Hungarian regulators in 2025. To be able to impose better control, the governing authorities propose several changes.
These include stricter age verification procedures, improved options for self-exclusion, and increased coverage of problem gambling support services. At the same time, operators will be required to implement even more effective measures to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.
Conclusion
Significant changes regarding online regulations in Hungary are expected in 2025. The current laws provide solid control over gaming activities, but new trends concerning technological innovations and further player protection require amendments to the existing regulations.
By addressing challenges such as competition from international operators and embracing new technologies, Hungarian regulators are working to create a more dynamic and secure environment for online gambling.
FAQ
To provide more details, and in case you have missed something essential, check the following section. Here, we have answered some popular questions regarding online casino regulations in Hungary.
Is online gambling legal in Hungary?
Yes, online gambling in Hungary is legal, and players can access gaming sites and use their services. The government requires that operators need to be licensed by the local regulatory authorities to adhere to strict standards regarding online casino regulations, safety, and player protection.
How is online gambling in Hungary regulated?
Online gambling in Hungary is controlled strictly by the official governing authorities, and the current online gambling regulations require that casino sites need to prove their legitimacy. This is made through strict licensing procedures. Moreover, operators must prove they can offer players responsible gambling tools.
How old do you have to be to gamble in Hungary?
To engage in gaming activities in Hungary, players must be 18 years old. This is the legal gambling age in the country. Online casinos need to have strict age verification procedures and adhere to new customer protection policies. Otherwise, they may not be approved to gain a license to operate in the country.
Do online casinos in Hungary need to be licensed?
Yes, to be able to operate in Hungary, online casinos need to be licensed, and this is an essential part of the country's gambling law and regulations. However, as the industry evolved, there are new proposed amendments to the current regulations. They aim to make the licensing process easier and more convenient, covering more gambling products.
Are any changes regarding gambling regulations in Hungary expected?
Yes, because of the development of modern technologies that affect the services of operators and the requirements for better customer protection policies, further steps must be taken. Therefore, new gambling regulations and some amendments are expected to take effect. The expected regulatory changes will focus on the new tech trends and better responsible gambling policies.
