Hungary Considers Abolishing Gambling Regulator SZTFH
The development follows a resolution published in the Hungarian Gazette, Magyar Közlöny, on 31 August 2026, calling for an assessment of the regulator’s operations and the legislation governing its role.
Hungary’s government is considering the future of its gambling regulator, with plans now under review that could ultimately see the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH) abolished.
The development follows a resolution published in the Hungarian Gazette, Magyar Közlöny, on 31 August 2026, calling for an assessment of the regulator’s operations and the legislation governing its role.
Under the resolution, the government will examine whether the SZTFH should be dissolved and its responsibilities transferred to organisations operating under more direct government control. Justice Minister has been given until 30 September 2026 to present the findings of the review to the government.
The prospect of change comes only five years after the SZTFH was created under Act XXXII of 2021.
The regulator has faced scrutiny following its decision to award CAI Hungary Kft a 35-year casino licence without holding a public tender.
Despite the government’s decision to review the authority, the SZTFH has highlighted what it describes as significant achievements since its establishment, particularly its efforts to tackle Hungary’s illegal gambling market.
SZTFH defends its record
Responding to the government resolution, the regulator emphasised its independence and pointed to its recent work across the gambling and tobacco sectors.
“The SZTFH is an independent regulatory body established by the Parliament by Act XXXII of 2021 on the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities, which 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, and 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 through tens of thousands of traffic inspections, consistent regulatory action as a result of these, 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.”
