Hungarian Parliament Curbs SZTFH Authority Over Gambling Concessions
Hungary’s parliament voted 135-46 to dismantle the SZTFH Concessions Council and remove its approval role over gambling tenders and agreements. The step, backed by the TISZA party, forms part of a wider anti-corruption review of concessions and the 2022-2023 online betting reforms. No decision has been announced on further liberalisation.
SCCG Take — Centralizing approval authority with ministers may speed decisions yet sustains uncertainty for concession holders and investors pending the outcome of the ownership disclosures and SZTFH restructuring.
Lawmakers in Hungary have approved measures that strip the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH) of key approval powers over gambling concessions. The legislation dismantles the Concessions Council and eliminates the requirement for SZTFH sign-off on tenders, invitations to bid, and the conclusion, amendment or termination of concession agreements.
The vote on October 2 passed with 135 MPs in favor, 46 against and six abstentions. Support came primarily from Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s TISZA party, which commands a two-thirds supermajority. The changes derive from Bill T/639, tabled on September 8, and advance the government’s review of multiple state institutions.
Drivers Behind the SZTFH Overhaul
The SZTFH was established in 2021 to regulate gambling together with tobacco, mining and cybersecurity. It has drawn criticism for its oversight of concessions granted under the prior Fidesz administration, including claims of cronyism in awards for casino licences in Debrecen, Győr, Miskolc, Pécs, Sopron and Szeged. One Sopron concession linked to CAI Hungary Kft runs until 2061.
Finance Minister András Kármán’s anti-corruption program includes scrutiny of how those concessions were handled. Contracting parties have been given 30 days to disclose ownership structures and management details. The review also covers online gambling and sports betting reforms enacted between 2022 and 2023, which followed a European Court of Justice decision on the former state monopoly held by Szerencsejáték Zrt. Leadership at that operator has already been replaced, with Marcell Olajos installed as chairman after Zoltán Guller’s dismissal.
The SZTFH has maintained that it never awarded concessions directly and performed only prior consent and oversight functions. Justice Minister Márta Görög was tasked with assessing whether the authority should be abolished and its powers moved under direct government control.
Next Steps in the Regulatory Realignment
As reported by Focus Gaming News, the TISZA government has yet to indicate whether the process will produce greater market liberalisation or new openings for private operators. The absence of that signal leaves existing concession holders and potential entrants without clarity on the ultimate shape of the sector.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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