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Uncertainty in Hungary Continues as Concerns Emerge Over Gambling Regulator SZTFH

By jili tutorial · September 4, 2026

Uncertainty in Hungary Continues as Concerns Emerge Over Gambling Regulator SZTFH

Regulator Faces Potential Abolishment After Just Five Years

Hungary is considering the termination of its gambling regulator, the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH), only five years after its establishment. The move comes after a government resolution published in Magyar Közlöny (the Hungarian Gazette) on 31 August 2026 called for a review of the SZTFH’s operations and the relevant legislation. The government wants to explore how the authority could be abolished and its responsibilities transferred to bodies under direct government control.

The Justice Minister has been given until 30 September 2026 to report back to the government with findings and recommendations.

Casino Licence Controversy Sparks Government Scrutiny

The review follows controversy over a 35-year casino licence granted by the SZTFH to CAI Hungary Kft without a public tender. In response to the government’s decision that “it is necessary to review the operation of the SZTFH,” the regulator has defended its record, citing “significant” achievements—particularly its crackdown on the black market.

SZTFH Defends Its Record and Highlights Results

The SZTFH issued a statement reminding the government of its recent successes, saying:

“The SZTFH is an independent regulatory body established by the Parliament by Act XXXII of 2021 on the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities. It is subject only to legislation in terms of its activities and is solely accountable to the parliament for its operations.

“In the gambling sector, it has achieved significant results in eliminating illegal online game organisers. In the tobacco market, it has contributed to the protection of young people by strengthening measures and regulatory solutions for the protection of minors—including tens of thousands of traffic inspections, consistent regulatory action as a result of these inspections, and the blocking of illegal webshops.

“The Regulated Activities Supervisory Authority will, of course, cooperate in every way with the minister designated in the Government Resolution in order to effectively complete the legal due diligence, taking full account of the applicable legal environment.”

Broader Government Review Adds to Uncertainty in Hungarian Gambling

The review of the SZTFH is part of a wider assessment of all state-run organisations by the new TISZA (Freedom and Reform Party) government. This includes the national lottery and sports betting firm Szerencsejáték Zrt. As a result, Hungary’s gambling landscape now mirrors the uncertainty that has become prevalent across Europe.