Hungary Online Gambling Law 2026
Gambling Act · SZTFH · Online Casino Rules · 2026 Review
Quick Take
- Online sports betting licences have been open to EEA operators since 1 January 2023. Online casino games may only be offered by companies that hold a Hungarian land-based casino licence.
- Lotteries remain a state monopoly run by Szerencsejáték Zrt., and advertising unlicensed gambling is prohibited.
- On 31 August 2026 the new government ordered a review of the regulator, SZTFH, that could lead to its abolition.
📌 Informational guide: this page explains the law in Hungary. Cocktailspins does not list, rank or link to gambling operators for players in Hungary. Rules change — follow updates in our Regulation Tracker.
Who May Offer Online Gambling
Hungary’s rules differ by product. Since 1 January 2023, the online betting monopoly of the state company Szerencsejáték Zrt. has ended and operators based in the European Economic Area can apply for licences through a Hungarian representative. Online casino and card games, however, may only be offered by companies that hold a licence to run a land-based casino in Hungary, through the same company. Lotteries remain a state monopoly, and online horse-race betting is reserved for a single state operator.
The EU Law Question
In 2018, in case C-3/17, the Court of Justice of the EU found that tying online casino licences to land-based casinos restricts the freedom to provide services and cannot be justified. The Hungarian provision nonetheless remains in force, and Hungarian courts apply the CJEU’s findings case by case.
Enforcement
Advertising unlicensed gambling is prohibited. The regulator can order Hungarian internet providers to block websites that offer unlicensed online gambling, although it has at times limited that blocking to known fraudulent sites.
The 2026 Review of the Regulator
The Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH) was created in 2021 and regulates gambling. On 31 August 2026 the new government published a resolution ordering a review of the authority, with a view to abolishing it and moving its functions to bodies under direct government control; the Justice Minister was due to report by 30 September 2026. The trigger was a 35-year casino licence granted to CAI Hungary Kft without a public tender. The government is also reviewing other state bodies, including Szerencsejáték Zrt. We will update this page when the outcome is known.
Crypto
The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) applies: crypto-asset service providers need authorisation from a national regulator, and the transitional periods for firms operating under older national rules ended by 1 July 2026 at the latest. For how stablecoin transfers work, see our USDT TRC20 explainer.
Our Position and Help
For players in Hungary, this page covers the law and the licensed market only; we do not promote operators without a Hungarian licence. BeGambleAware offers free, confidential guidance, and our Responsible Gambling Score explains what good player protection looks like.
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Hungary?
Licensed online sports betting is legal, and online casino games may be offered only by companies holding a Hungarian land-based casino licence.
Who regulates gambling in Hungary?
The Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH). In August 2026 the government ordered a review that could lead to its abolition.
Can foreign operators get a Hungarian betting licence?
Since 1 January 2023, operators based in the EEA can apply for online betting licences through a Hungarian representative.
Is advertising unlicensed gambling allowed in Hungary?
No. Advertising for unlicensed gambling is prohibited.