Hungarian Government Reviews Options to Abolish SZTFH Five Years After Its Creation
TL;DR — Hungary’s government is examining whether to abolish the SZTFH, its gambling regulator set up in 2021. A resolution published 31 August 2026 gives the Justice Minister until 30 September to recommend transferring functions to direct government bodies. The SZTFH defends its record in curbing illegal gambling following a controversial casino licence award.
SCCG Take — Centralizing gambling regulation under government control could compromise the independence SZTFH has stressed. Operators must track the September report for signals on licensing and enforcement continuity.
Hungary is considering the abolition of its gambling regulator, the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH), five years after parliament created the body.
A government resolution published in Magyar Közlöny on 31 August 2026 calls for an examination of the SZTFH’s operations. The Justice Minister must report by 30 September 2026 on options to abolish the authority and transfer its functions to bodies under direct government control.
The move follows the SZTFH’s grant of a 35-year casino licence to CAI Hungary Kft without conducting a public tender. The regulator has responded by highlighting its independence and record of achievement.
SZTFH Emphasises Independence and Results
The SZTFH said: “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.”
This review is part of the new TISZA (Freedom and Reform Party) government’s assessment of state-run organisations, including Szerencsejáték Zrt. Hungary’s gambling landscape mirrors the uncertainty prevalent across Europe, according to SBC News.
The Road to Potential Abolition
The resolution focuses on determining how the SZTFH could be wound down and its duties reassigned. The forthcoming report will shape the next steps for regulatory oversight in the Hungarian gambling market. What emerges from this process will set the direction for operators navigating the jurisdiction’s evolving framework.
Reporting: SBC News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Centralizing gambling regulation could compromise independence and create uncertainty for operators in an already fragmented European market.
We've navigated regulatory restructurings across 545 partnerships in every regulated market. When a regulator faces abolition — especially after a controversial 35-year casino licence — it signals instability. Operators with Hungarian exposure need contingency plans now, not after the September 30 report drops. Independence matters.
- Justice Minister must report by 30 September 2026 on transferring SZTFH functions to direct government control
- Review follows SZTFH's 35-year casino licence to CAI Hungary without public tender
- SZTFH defends independence and record curbing illegal online gambling
SCCG angle: SCCG has guided operators through regulatory upheaval in 30+ jurisdictions. If you're exposed to Hungary or weighing entry, we connect you to the legal, licensing, and government relations expertise to read the September report correctly and protect your position before the dust settles.
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