Hungary Removes Gambling Regulator's Concession Powers as 2027 Licensing Overhaul Begins

Hungary has removed a significant layer of authority from its gambling regulator over concession procedures, potentially opening the door to a wider restructuring of how casino and gambling rights are awarded in the country.

New provisions published in Hungary's official legal record on October 1 state that the prior approval of the SZTFH [Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities] is no longer required for launching concession tenders, inviting bids or concluding, amending and terminating concession contracts.

The change is important because SZTFH currently plays a central role in Hungary's gambling system, including licensing, regulatory supervision and enforcement.

It does not, however, mean that Hungary has abolished its gambling regulator or decided to open its casino market to greater international competition. The government's broader review of the regulatory structure remains ongoing.

Why Gambling Concessions Matter in Hungary

Hungary's concession system has historically played an important role in determining access to its land-based casino market.

Changing the regulator's involvement in that process therefore raises a bigger question about who will shape future casino concessions and how those rights could be awarded.

Hungary has previously attempted to make parts of its online gambling market more competitive, but market access and the practical ability of international operators to compete have remained important issues.

The latest change does not itself liberalize online casinos or sports betting. There has been no confirmed announcement of a new open-market licensing model.

What it does demonstrate is that the government is prepared to reconsider the institutional structure surrounding gambling concessions.

Could a Wider Gambling Reform Follow in 2027?

That is now the important question for international operators. If the government limits its changes to administrative responsibility, the commercial impact may remain relatively narrow. But if the restructuring eventually leads to new concession procedures, changes to existing casino arrangements or revisions to online gambling access, Hungary could become a considerably more important European market to watch in 2027.

The distinction between regulator and government is also worth following.

Independent gambling regulators are generally responsible for licensing, compliance and enforcement, while governments determine broader public policy. Moving influence over concession procedures away from the regulator could change how those responsibilities are divided in Hungary.

For now, there is no evidence that Hungary intends to dismantle its existing gambling system entirely.

But the October change is significant because it alters who has influence over one of the most commercially important parts of that system.

Hungary therefore belongs on the 2027 regulatory watchlist alongside markets such as Germany, Finland, the Netherlands and Brazil.

The next development to watch is not another administrative announcement. It is whether Hungary changes who can obtain a casino concession, how those concessions are awarded and whether international operators gain new opportunities to enter the market.

Sources Used

Magyar Közlöny [Hungarian Gazette] - October 1, 2026 legal record establishing that SZTFH's prior agreement is no longer required for specified concession procedures.
Hungarian Parliament - Official documentation detailing SZTFH's responsibilities, including gambling licensing, regulatory supervision and enforcement.