Nowadays, gambling continues to gain traction at a rapid pace as the industry embraces modern digital technology and expands its reach even further. Hungary, a beautiful country in Central Europe, has not remained untouched by the spread of this pastime. The gambling industry in Hungary followed a long and thorny path before it finally gained the approval of the authorities.
The first gambling regulation in Hungary dates back to 1752, when Queen Maria Theresa Habsburg introduced a law that monopolized the industry throughout the country. In 1827, the first Hungarian casino opened its doors. Later, Casino Sopron opened in 1989, and it is still operating. Interestingly, it is the oldest gambling establishment in Hungary. Las Vegas Casino and Casino Tropicana followed, opening in 1992 and 2000, respectively.
Gambling Laws in Hungary
Gambling at a land-based casino has been legal in Hungary since 1991. The National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary (the NAV) oversees offline gambling. State-owned brick-and-mortar establishments may offer various games, including poker, blackjack, and slots.
Before 2013, Hungarian authorities went out of their way to ban online gambling. Fortunately, they recognized the numerous benefits this form of entertainment can deliver when properly regulated. Among other things, well-crafted gambling laws protect players’ interests and boost the country’s economy. Pressure from pro-gambling activists and the European Union also helped, prompting Hungarian lawmakers to amend the gambling laws.
In 2013, the regulation of online gambling in Hungary made headlines. The NAV is the body responsible for overseeing this sector. It is controlled by the state-owned company Szerencsejáték Zrt. Unfortunately, the online gambling industry in Hungary is still not flourishing, not because of a lack of casino enthusiasts but because of the strict regulations adopted by Hungarian officials.
Awarding Licenses to Foreign Operators
Under the Hungarian legislative framework, there are 3 classes of casino licenses that remote operators can apply for. In addition, operators wishing to enter Hungary must meet several requirements. Moreover, the Gambling Act of 2013 allowed only 11 operators to enter the Hungarian market.
Following a dispute between the Hungarian Central Directorate of the National Tax and Customs Administration and the British betting company Sporting Odds Ltd regarding a penalty imposed by the regulator, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that the country’s licensing system breaches the EU principle of free movement of services.
According to the EU, Hungary’s online gambling regulations are too strict, and officials should loosen their grip in the country’s best interest. Industry insiders believe that the country wants to monopolize its gambling market, as government officials grant licenses only to operators that own state-regulated land-based casinos.
In 2017, Hungarian authorities amended the Gambling Act to block payments to unauthorized gambling sites, thereby clamping down on illegal gambling activities.
Taxes and Fees
Although Hungarian authorities have regulated the online gambling industry, their strict approach has made it less appealing. Moreover, foreign operators that want to obtain a license are charged sky-high application and operating fees. The tax rate varies by product. For operators that offer online sports betting, the tax is set at 15% of net gambling revenue, while online casinos must pay between 10% and 30% of their net gambling revenue.
The upside for players is that they do not have to pay taxes on profits generated from gambling activities. However, Hungary will most likely need to amend its legal framework for online gambling, as the EU disagrees with the country’s strict approach. It remains unclear what further actions Hungarian officials will take.
Popular Banking Solutions
It is essential to know which payment solutions an online casino uses, because each offers different conditions. You have the power to choose the method that best fits your preferences. To make the right choice, consider several factors, such as processing time, fees, supported currencies, and trustworthiness.
Reputable casinos usually collaborate with some of the most popular payment service providers. Below we discuss payment solutions that support Hungary’s official currency, the Hungarian Forint (HUF), and are recognized as reliable.
Card Payments
Digital Wallets
Prepaid Vouchers
CryptocurrencyCard Payments
A huge number of web-based casinos targeting the Hungarian market offer card payments. As a result, you will easily find a gambling site where you can top up your account via credit or debit card. Visa and Mastercard are the most popular bank cards among Hungarian players.
Even though payouts via bank cards can take up to five days to clear, this payment solution is hassle-free and reliable. Casino enthusiasts should keep in mind that, in most cases, deposits are processed instantly without any fees, but some charges might apply to withdrawals.
Debit cards provide yet another advantage: players cannot spend more than they actually have in their accounts. Unfortunately, not all online casinos allow withdrawals via Visa or Mastercard due to legal restrictions.
Digital Wallets
Digital wallets have exploded in popularity among casino enthusiasts because of their trustworthiness, low fees, and speed. Unfortunately, not all casinos allow players who make their first deposit via an e-wallet to benefit from the Welcome Bonus or any other promotion available at a specific interactive casino. If you are considering uploading funds to your gaming account via a digital wallet, be sure to carefully read the casino’s terms and conditions.
Some of the most popular e-wallets available to Hungarian players are ecoPayz, PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. As mentioned above, digital wallets have become a preferred payment solution because of their promptness. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours and deposits are instant.
Prepaid Vouchers
Many players prefer not to share their bank details with the casino. For that reason, they can make deposits via prepaid vouchers. A well-known prepaid card that is widely accepted at web-based casinos and supports the Hungarian currency is Paysafecard. Not only will your anonymity remain intact, but you also will not be able to bet more than you have on your Paysafecard. Making a deposit via Paysafecard is child’s play, as all you need to do is select the amount you wish to deposit and provide the PIN on the back of the card.
The greatest disadvantage of this method is that it supports only deposits. This means casino aficionados will need to select an alternative method to cash out.
Cryptocurrency
If you are a Hungarian casino devotee considering making a deposit via cryptocurrency, be aware that this payment solution offers several advantages, namely excellent security, fast transactions, low taxes, and lucrative casino bonuses for cryptocurrency depositors. Some web-based casinos even offer special bonuses for players who deposit with cryptocurrency to encourage wider adoption. Deposits are processed in a matter of minutes, and withdrawal times vary between online casinos, reaching up to three days.
The major downside of this method is the high volatility of digital currencies. To make a deposit, you need to create a crypto account and purchase the digital currency of your choice.
Exclusive Casino Deals for Hungarian Players
Running an online casino is a profitable business venture. However, the gambling market is oversaturated with sites offering various opportunities and incentives to attract players’ attention. Therefore, operators are striving to come up with something new and unique to whet the appetite of newcomers.
Apart from a diverse game selection, operators offer various promotions to stand out from the crowd. Needless to say, some bonuses are indeed worth the time and effort, while others only appear lucrative because they come with ridiculously high wagering requirements. Depending on the casino’s policy, players can trigger a bonus manually from their accounts, via live chat, or by entering a promo code. Below, we provide an in-depth look at the promotions available to Hungarian players.
Welcome Bonus
Nowadays, every casino operator that wants to succeed should offer a sign-up bonus. Usually, the Welcome Bonus is the most generous of all, covering your first deposit or a series of consecutive deposits. It is typically expressed as the maximum amount you can receive.
However, this does not mean you will get the entire amount, as the bonus is determined by the size of your deposit. For example, if a casino offers a 100% match bonus up to $500 and you deposit $30, you will receive $30 in bonus funds.
Reload Bonus
As we already noted, the Welcome Bonus may cover subsequent deposits, and this is called a reload bonus. These bonuses aim to keep players engaged for longer. Typically, to activate a reload bonus, you will be asked to make a qualifying deposit.
No Deposit Bonus
This bonus type is offered by many casinos because it allows players to decide whether a particular casino is worth trying in a risk-free manner. In other words, you do not have to make a first deposit to claim a no deposit bonus. There are three types of no-deposit bonuses: free play, bonus cash, and free spins. No deposit bonuses are usually offered to newly registered players at a web-based casino.
Free Spins
Many casino operators offer free spins as part of the Welcome Bonus, a no-deposit bonus, or when they want to promote a new slot game. Deposit-based free spins are usually spread over consecutive deposits and are intended for playing specific slot games.
VIP Programs
Players who are loyal to a particular web-based casino are often rewarded with various perks and benefits through a VIP program. The loyalty schemes vary from casino to casino, but they usually include multiple tiers. The higher the level you reach, the better the benefits you enjoy. Typically, casino enthusiasts collect comp points for every dollar they spend at the casino.
Important Bonus-Related Notions
1Wagering Requirements
Every casino bonus comes with a wagering requirement (also called a playthrough or rollover) that players must meet before requesting a withdrawal. This term indicates how many times players must wager the bonus funds (and, in some cases, the deposit) before they can withdraw their winnings.
2Maximum Cashout
Some casinos impose a cap on the amount of money players can withdraw from winnings generated with a specific bonus. Even after players meet the playthrough, they still cannot cash out more than the maximum allowed amount. Such limits are common for no-deposit bonuses and free spins.
3Game Weighting
Bets on certain games count only partially toward clearing the wagering requirements, and some may not count at all. Slots typically contribute 100% to the playthrough. For example, if a game has a 50% contribution, a $10 bet will reduce the wagering requirement by $5.
4Minimum Deposit
To activate a deposit bonus, casinos require players to meet a minimum deposit amount. Keep in mind that the minimum qualifying deposit for a bonus does not necessarily match the casino’s standard minimum deposit for playing without a bonus.
5Betting Limits
Casino operators usually cap the maximum bet size when a bonus is active. Such limits aim to prevent bonus abuse. Exceeding the cap will result in the forfeiture of any winnings associated with the bonus.
Popular Software Providers in Hungary
Casino enthusiasts often underestimate the importance of the software providers that power a casino, yet it is the casino content developers who determine the games’ features, quality, animations, and mobile compatibility.
When choosing an online casino, make sure the operator partners with reputable software suppliers, as these companies have their games audited by independent testing agencies. Generally, the more content developers power a particular interactive casino, the greater the gaming choice. Some of the most popular software companies on the Hungarian market include:
Ezugi
Betsoft
Play’n GO
iSoftBet
Evolution GamingEzugi
This software supplier was established in 2013 and operates under a license issued by the Government of Curacao. The brand specializes in developing live dealer games. Ezugi provides its gaming solutions to various markets, and the games are mobile-friendly. In 2016, the leading Hungarian casino operator Las Vegas Casinos Diamond Ltd. announced that it had penned a deal with Ezugi for the provision of its live dealer gaming platform.
Betsoft
This company made a name for itself in the iGaming market thanks to the variety of games it has created. Betsoft boasts a rich portfolio of over 170 games that run smoothly on any device, whether a smartphone, tablet, or PC.
The provider is extremely popular for its 3D slots and high-end graphics. Launched in 2006, Betsoft holds licenses in Malta, Romania, and Curacao. In 2018, the company made headlines after announcing an agreement with the Hungarian Grand Casino to integrate Betsoft’s AAMS-certified games.
Play’n GO
Being a high-profile software provider, Play’n GO is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge games that capture the interest of even the most demanding casino enthusiasts. The company was founded in 2005 and received approval from the Malta Gaming Authority, one of the most reputable regulators on the market.
The company focuses on creating slots and RNG-based table games. Notably, its content adapts well to any screen size. In 2020, the company entered the Hungarian market after signing an agreement with Las Vegas Casino to supply its gaming content.
iSoftBet
This software company was founded in 2010 with the aim of producing fascinating games that scale down to smaller screens. Some of the most successful online casinos rely on this studio for their gaming catalogs. The brand primarily focuses on providing operators and players with top-quality slot games.
The company has secured licenses in a large number of jurisdictions, including Malta and the United Kingdom. In 2016, the London-based studio announced that it had joined forces with the Hungarian gaming group Las Vegas Casino Diamond to supply its full gaming suite.
Evolution Gaming
There is hardly a casino enthusiast who has not heard of Evolution Gaming. This software provider is a heavyweight on the iGaming scene, offering live dealer games of unsurpassed quality. Since its inception in 2006, the company has been dedicated to providing an exciting gaming environment to players worldwide.
Additionally, Evolution’s live games are compatible with Android and iOS products. The company is certified by several regulators, including the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
Top 10 Online Casinos in Hungary
Choosing an interactive casino where you can enjoy a fun-filled, rewarding gaming experience is no picnic. Players need to select several gambling sites and conduct thorough research on them. This process is time-consuming, and players often check only the available games and promotions before setting up an account and playing for real money.
Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach, as other aspects such as the casino’s license, mobile compatibility, reputability, and payment solutions must also be considered before choosing an online gambling stop. Below, we provide Hungarian players with a list of trusted and proven online casinos.
Videoslots Casino
King Billy Casino
Slotum Casino
Enzo Casino
GunsBet Casino
7bit Casino
Casoo Casino
BitStarz Casino
Volt Casino
Loki CasinoVideoslots Casino
Videoslots Casino is no newcomer to the iGaming market. The online casino was launched in 2011 and operates under licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, and the Swedish Gambling Authority. With more than a dozen software providers on site, this gambling destination offers something for everyone. The games you will encounter are developed by leading companies such as Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Betsoft, iSoftBet, and Yggdrasil.
Moreover, casino enthusiasts can access Videoslots’ content via portable devices that run on Android or iOS. The casino’s interface is designed to be user-friendly, so navigating the website is easy.
Videoslots Casino caters to players from numerous jurisdictions, and the platform is available in several languages. As for payments, casino fans can make deposits and withdrawals in different currencies, and the virtual casino offers a solid range of payment solutions.
King Billy Casino
King Billy is a relatively new addition to the online gambling scene, but it certainly has a lot to offer. The casino was founded in 2017 and has already attracted a loyal audience of casino aficionados. This virtual venue is packed with games that span various genres. Progressive jackpot titles include Mega Moolah Isis, Major Millions, Cash Splash, and others.
The casino’s product roster comes courtesy of high-end software companies such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Betsoft, and Evolution Gaming. The games are compatible with mobile devices running Android and iOS. King Billy Casino is licensed in Curacao, providing a safe gaming environment.
If English is not your first language, do not worry, as the casino offers its platform in several languages. You can also rely on helpful and friendly customer support whenever you need it.
Slotum Casino
Launched in 2018, Slotum Casino has already earned a strong reputation among players from different countries. The interactive casino offers an abundant game catalog developed by an impressive range of top software providers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Evolution Gaming. The titles span major genres such as slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer offerings.
In addition to its extensive library, this virtual casino is fully regulated by the Government of Curacao. Operating in various markets, Slotum Casino makes its fans feel at home by offering several language options and supporting payments in multiple currencies.
The payment options employed by this online casino are among the most trusted in the industry. Players can easily top up their accounts or cash out their winnings, and the bonuses up for grabs will certainly boost their winning chances while providing hours of fun.
Enzo Casino
Enzo Casino debuted on the online gambling scene in 2016 and quickly gained traction. This virtual casino boasts a solid collection of exciting games created by industry leaders such as Betsoft, Evolution Gaming, 1×2 Gaming, and Booming Games. Enzo Casino works flawlessly on portable devices thanks to its intuitive in-browser app.
If you wish to upload funds to your gaming account or withdraw your winnings, you can do so via one of the multiple payment options available at Enzo Casino. The casino also has a reliable customer support department that is at players’ disposal 24/7.
Moreover, Enzo Casino offers lucrative bonuses for both newcomers and existing players. The casino’s customer-oriented approach places it among the top-rated gambling sites. Both seasoned and rookie players will be satisfied with their stay at Enzo Casino, which provides a safe gaming environment thanks to its license issued by the Government of Curacao.
GunsBet Casino
Founded in 2017, GunsBet Casino is a trustworthy gambling site owned and operated by Direx N.V., a company with vast industry experience. The virtual casino features over 1,000 games with engaging themes and crystal-clear graphics. Thanks to providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, and Yggdrasil, the casino boasts a top-quality gaming catalog.
To reach a broader audience, GunsBet Casino is also available to mobile players. The casino offers a slick interface that retains full functionality even on smaller screens. Furthermore, payments can be processed in multiple currencies, and the site is available in several languages.
This Curacao-licensed gambling site is dedicated to providing an enjoyable and trustworthy gaming environment. If you have questions, you can contact professional customer support agents around the clock, and you will find a plethora of safe payment solutions.
7bit Casino
Since its establishment in 2014, 7bit Casino has made huge strides toward joining the ranks of top online casinos. This interactive casino offers a wide variety of games, with slots being the most numerous. The operator has partnered with several reputable software companies, namely iSoftBet, Ezugi, Play’n GO, and Yggdrasil, to ensure the top quality of its gaming library. The casino is completely legitimate and operates under a license issued by the Government of Curacao.
Furthermore, 7bit Casino is mobile-optimized, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games on the go. If you need assistance, you can contact friendly customer support representatives via live chat or email.
If you are still wondering whether 7bit Casino is worth your attention, remember that you can benefit from a lucrative Welcome Bonus as a newcomer. You can also deposit or withdraw funds quickly and easily.
Casoo Casino
Casoo Casino is a new player in the online gambling world, having appeared on the scene in 2019. The virtual casino operates in various jurisdictions, including Hungary. Its well-constructed site and wide game variety are immediately impressive. The casino relies on well-established providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Betsoft, iSoftBet, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, and Habanero to power its content.
Players should not doubt Casoo Casino’s fairness, as it operates under a license issued by the Government of Curacao. Moreover, the casino features multiple banking solutions recognized as some of the most trustworthy payment methods.
Newcomers are treated with utmost care, with the opportunity to claim a bountiful Welcome Bonus. Casoo Casino aims to provide the best possible experience to all players, so its customer support team is available 24/7.
BitStarz Casino
BitStarz Casino combines an eye-pleasing interface, a wide range of games that suit both novice and experienced players, and tasty promotions. Established in 2014, the casino has adapted to the highest demands of casino devotees. The virtual casino delivers a remarkable experience even when you play via a portable device.
The casino obtained its operating license from the Government of Curacao. It has partnered with top-rated developers, including NetEnt, Betsoft, Microgaming, Evolution, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, and Ezugi. The operator is well known among players for its generosity, so you can expect attractive promotions and bonuses.
The casino offers various payment solutions, allowing players to choose the most convenient option. Moreover, the highly responsive customer support department is reachable via email or live chat.
Volt Casino
Volt Casino was founded in 2018 and has been popular ever since. The virtual casino is dedicated to delivering a complete gaming experience. For that reason, the operator teamed up with several software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming, and Betsoft, which are highly regarded for their quality products.
At Volt Casino, aficionados will find top-shelf titles that are also available on portable devices running Android and iOS. Regarding trustworthiness, Volt Casino is regulated by two of the strictest bodies in the industry, the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
The casino offers 24/7 customer support. You can contact the friendly and knowledgeable support agents via live chat or email. If you wish to deposit funds, you will find several payment options that also support withdrawals.
Loki Casino
Loki Casino went online in 2016 and can compete with some of the biggest brands in the industry thanks to its gaming portfolio comprising over 1,300 games. The titles feature unmatched quality due to the top-tier developers behind them, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Betsoft, Play’n GO, and Yggdrasil.
Moreover, iOS and Android users can access the casino’s content via its in-browser app. If you need assistance, you will have no issues contacting the customer support department. Loki Casino is recognized as a safe online gambling spot thanks to its license issued by the Government of Curacao.
Regarding promotions, you will certainly not be disappointed by the operator’s generosity. The casino supports payments in multiple currencies, and deposits and withdrawals can be processed via various methods that are globally recognized as safe.
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What did the new online gambling law from 2023 change in the iGaming sector in Hungary?
In February 2022, Hungary passed new legislation that aimed to end the longstanding state monopoly over the country’s gambling market. Under this law, which took effect in January 2023, a wider range of online gambling products became legal in Hungary. Before the change, Hungarians could legally bet online only on horse races and card games. After the amendment to the Gambling Act, online sports betting and casino games are now legal as well, expanding the spectrum of legal online gambling products in the country.
Operators that want to offer online gambling to Hungarians must obtain a license from the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SZTFH). At the time of writing, the Hungarian licensing authority has not yet granted a license to any foreign operator, and the only licensed operator remains the state-owned Szerencsejáték Zrt.
Are Hungarians not granted access to some offshore gaming websites?
To prevent Hungarians from accessing offshore online casinos, the government introduced an ISP blocking model that restricts access to such websites. In addition to denying access to unlicensed casinos, the government has also proposed other measures that would make it much harder for Hungarians to gamble online. These include payment blocks, which further reduce the range of available payment options for those who enjoy virtual gambling. Starting in July 2023, the new set of payment blocks will be implemented. If the Supervisory Authority of Regulatory Affairs (SARA) determines that an operator is offering prohibited gambling services, the regulator will restrict the payment account used by the operator for payouts of bets and winnings.
What are the requirements operators must meet to be able to obtain an online gambling license from the Hungarian regulator?
In 2023, Hungary amended the Gambling Act, allowing operators to apply for online gambling licenses and making online casino gambling legal for Hungarians. Under the new rules, applicants must have at least five years of experience operating legal gambling activities in the European Economic Area (EEA). A license will be denied if the operator has provided gambling services without a license during the past five years. The application fee is HUF 10 million (£23,000/€26,000/$29,000). In addition to the application fee, operators must have share capital of at least HUF 1 billion and pay a license fee of HUF 600 million. Licensed operators will also pay a gaming tax equal to 15% of gross gambling revenue. Finally, a supervision fee of 2.5% applies, capped at HUF 10 million.