Nowadays, gambling keeps on gaining traction at a rapid pace as the industry embraced the modern digital technology and managed to expand its reach even more. Hungary is a beautiful country located in Central Europe that also did not remain untouched by the spreading tentacles of this pastime. The gambling industry in Hungary went through a long and thorny road before it finally met the approval of the authorities.
The first gambling regulation in Hungary dates as far back as 1752 when queen Maria Teresa Habsburg introduced a law to monopolize the industry throughout the country. In 1827, the first Hungarian casino opened its doors. Later on, Casino Sopron was unveiled in 1989 and it is still functioning. It is interesting to mention that this is the oldest gambling establishment in Hungary. Las Vegas Casino and Casino Tropicana were the next to welcome enthusiasts, being founded in 1992 and 2000, respectively.
Gambling Laws in Hungary
Gambling at a land-based casino has been legal in Hungary ever since 1991. The National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary (the NAV) is the authority that is in charge of overseeing offline gambling. The state-owned brick-and-mortar gambling establishments are allowed to offer various games such as poker, blackjack, and slots.
Before 2013, Hungarian authorities had gone out of their ways to ban online gambling. Fortunately, they recognized the huge number of benefits that this entertainment can bring if properly regulated. Among all other things, a set of well-crafted gambling laws would protect the players’ interest and boost the country’s economy. The pressure imposed by pro-gambling activists and the European Union also helped a lot, stimulating the Hungarian lawmakers to introduce changes to the gambling laws.
In 2013, the good news that online gambling in Hungary is regulated made the headlines. The NAV is the authority that is responsible for overseeing this form of entertainment. It is controlled by the state-owned company called Szerencsejáték Zrt. Unfortunately, we cannot say that the online gambling industry in Hungary is flourishing and that is not because of a lack of casino enthusiasts, but because of the strict regulations adopted by the Hungarian officials.
Awarding Licenses to Foreign Operators
Under the Hungarian legislative framework, there are 3 classes of casino licenses, which remote operators can apply for. In addition to that, the operators that wish to set foot in Hungary need to comply with certain requirements. What is more, 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 country’s regulator on the British operator, the Court of Justice of the European Union stated that the country’s system of awarding licenses breaches the principle of the free movement of services embraced by the EU.
According to the EU, the Hungarian online gambling regulations are too tight and the country’s officials should loosen their grip as that will be in the country’s interest. Industry insiders consider that the country wants to monopolize its gambling market as government officials grant licenses only to operators that own land-based casinos regulated by the state-owned watchdog.
In 2017, the Hungarian authorities introduced a new amendment to the Gambling Act, seeking to block payments to unauthorized gambling sites and thus, clamp down on illegal gambling activities.
Taxes and Fees
Even though the Hungarian authorities regulated the online gambling industry, their strict approach made the country’s online gambling industry less appealing. What is more, foreign operators who would like to obtain a license are charged sky-high fees for applying and operating. The tax varies between the different products that the casinos would like to offer. For operators that offer online sports betting, the tax is set at 15% of the net gambling revenue, while online casinos have to pay between 10% and 30% of their net gambling revenue.
The silver lining is that players do not have to pay taxes on their profits generated from gambling activities. However, Hungary will most probably need to change its legal framework regarding its online gambling industry as the EU disagrees with the country’s strict approach. It is yet to become clear what further actions the Hungarian officials will take.
Popular Banking Solutions
It is essential to know what payment solutions a certain casino employs as they offer different conditions. The power to select the best method that will fit your preferences is in your hands. To make the right choice, you should take into account several factors, such as processing time, fees, supported currencies, trustworthiness, etc.
Reputable casinos usually collaborate with some of the most popular payment service providers. In the lines below, we will discuss some payment solutions that support the official currency in Hungary, and more precisely the Hungarian Forint (HUF) and are recognized to be reliable.
Card Payments
A huge number of web-based casinos that are geared towards the Hungarian market offer card payments. Following that stream of thoughts, you will easily find a gambling site where you can top up your account via credit/debit card. Visa and Mastercard are the most popular bank cards among Hungarian players.
Even though payouts via bank cards are cleared within up to 5 days, 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 occur on withdrawals.
Debit cards come with yet another advantage – players cannot spend more than they actually have on their accounts. Unfortunately, not all online casinos allow withdrawals via Visa or Mastercard due to legal restrictions.
Digital Wallets
Digital wallets exploded in popularity among casino enthusiasts due to their trustworthiness, low charges, and promptness. Unfortunately, not all casinos allow players who made their first deposit via an e-Wallet to benefit from the Welcome Bonus or any other promotion available at a specific interactive casino. In case you consider to upload funds to your gaming account via a digital wallet, be advised to carefully read the casino’s terms and conditions.
Some of the most popular e-Wallets that are available to Hungarian players are ecoPayz, PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. As we mentioned above, the digital wallets turned into a preferred payment solution due to 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 purpose, they can make their deposits via prepaid vouchers. A well-known prepaid card that is widely accepted at different web-based casinos and supports the Hungarian currency is Paysafecard. Not only your anonymity will remain intact, but also you will not be able to bet more than you have in your Paysafecard. Making a deposit via Paysafecard is a child’s play as all you need to do is to select the amount you wish to deposit and provide the PIN number on the back of the card.
The greatest disadvantage of this method is that it supports only deposits. This means that casino aficionados will need to select an alternative method to cash out.
Cryptocurrency
If you are a Hungarian casino devotee who is considering to make a deposit via cryptocurrency, we would like to inform you that this payment solution comes with a good-enough number of advantages, and more precisely excellent security, fast transactions, low taxes, and lucrative casino bonuses for cryptocurrency depositors. Some web-based casinos offer special bonuses for players who deposit via cryptocurrency in an attempt to encourage more players to select this payment solution. Deposits are processed in a matter of a few minutes and withdrawal time varies between online casinos, reaching up to 3 days.
The major downside related to this payment solution is the high volatility of the digital currencies. To make a deposit via digital currencies, you need to create a crypto account and buy a digital currency of your choice.
Exclusive Casino Deals for Hungarian Players
Running an online casino is a profitable business adventure. But the gambling market is oversaturated with different sites that feature various opportunities and incentives to attract the players’ attention. Hence, operators are trying to come up with something new and unique to whet the appetite of newcomers.
Apart from the variety of games, 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 seem to be lucrative as they come with ridiculously high wagering requirements. Depending on the casino’s policy, players can trigger a deposit manually from their accounts, via the live chat, or by entering a promo code. In the lines below, we will provide you with an in-depth look at the promotions that are available to Hungarian players.
Welcome Bonus
Nowadays, every casino operator that would like to have a chance of success should offer a sign-up bonus. Usually, the Welcome Bonus is the most generous of all and it covers your first deposit or series of consecutive deposits. It is usually expressed as the maximum possible amount you can get.
However, this does not mean that you will get the whole amount of money as it is determined by the amount of your deposit. For example, if a casino offers a 100% match bonus up to $500 and you deposit $30, you will receive $30 from the casino in bonus funds.
Reload Bonus
As we already hinted above, the Welcome Bonus might cover subsequent deposits and this is called a reload bonus. These bonuses aim at keeping the players’ attention for longer. Typically, to activate a reload bonus, you will be asked to make a qualifying deposit.
No Deposit Bonus
This type of bonus is offered by a huge number of casinos as it provides players with the opportunity to determine if a particular casino is worth the try 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 3 types of no-deposit bonuses, including free play bonus, bonus cash, and free spins. The no deposit bonuses are usually offered to newly registered players at a certain web-based casino.
Free Spins
Many casino operators offer free spins as part of the Welcome Bonus, 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 that are included in a VIP program. The loyalty schemes vary from casino to casino, but in most cases, these include multiple tiers. The higher level you reach, the nicer benefits you enjoy. Usually, casino enthusiasts collect comp points for every dollar they spend at a certain casino.
Important Bonus-Related Notions
1Wagering Requirements
Every casino bonus is associated with a wagering requirement (also referred to as a playthrough or rollover) that players should meet prior to requesting a withdrawal. This notion represents the number of times players should wager the bonus funds (and the deposit in some cases) to be eligible to withdraw your profits.
2Maximum Cashout
Some casinos feature a limit on the amount of money players can withdraw from their winnings associated with a certain bonus. Even after you meet the playthrough, you still will not be able to pull out more than the maximum cashout. Such limits are inherent to no deposit bonuses and free spins.
3Game Weighting
Bets on certain games count partially towards clearing the wagering requirements, or do not count at all. Usually, slots have a 100% contribution towards the playthrough. For example, if a game you wish to play has a 50% contribution towards the playthrough, this means that a bet of $10 will remove $5 from the wagering requirements.
4Minimum Deposit
To activate a deposit bonus, casinos have a requirement regarding the minimum amount you need to upload to your gaming account. What is important here is that the amount of the minimum qualifying deposit does not always coincide with the minimum deposit you need to make in order to start playing at a certain casino without a bonus.
5Betting Limits
Casino operators usually cap the maximum bet size when a bonus is active. Such betting limits aim at preventing casinos from bonus abusers. Exceeding the limits will lead to forfeiture of the winnings associated with the bonus.
Popular Software Providers in Hungary
Even though casino enthusiasts often underestimate the importance of the software providers that power a certain casino, we would like to note that it is the casino content developers that determine the various features of the games, their quality, animations, mobile compatibility, etc.
When choosing an online casino, make sure that the operator collaborates with reputable software suppliers as these have their games audited by independent testing agencies. By rule, the more casino content developers power a particular interactive casino, the greater the gaming choice is. Some of the most popular software companies on the Hungarian market include:
Ezugi
This software supplier was established in 2013 and it operates under a license issued by the Government of Curacao. The brand is specialized in developing live dealer games. Ezugi provides its gaming solutions to various markets and the games are developed in a mobile-friendly way. In 2016, the leading Hungarian casino operator Las Vegas Casinos Diamond Ltd. announced that it penned a deal with Ezugi for the provision of its live dealer gaming platform.
Betsoft
This company made a name for itself on the iGaming market thanks to the variety of games it created. Betsoft brags about its rich gaming portfolio comprised of over 170 games that run smoothly on any device, be that a smartphone, tablet, or PC.
This software provider is extremely popular for its 3D slots and the high-end quality of the graphics. Unveiled in 2006, Betsoft holds a license in Malta, Romania, and Curacao. In 2018, the company made the headlines after it announced that it signed an agreement with the Hungarian Grand Casino for the integration of Betsoft’s AAMS-certified games.
Play’n GO
Being a high-profile software provider, Play’n GO is dedicated to providing cutting-edge games that will provoke the interest even of the most capricious casino enthusiasts. The company was founded in 2005 and it received the stamp of approval from the Malta Gaming Authority – one of the most reputable regulators on the market.
The company is focused on creating slots and RNG-based table games. What is laudable here is that its gaming content adapts well to any screen size. In 2020, this software company entered the Hungarian market after signing an agreement with Las Vegas Casino for the provision of its gaming content.
iSoftBet
This software company was founded in 2010 with the main idea to produce fascinating games that scale down to limited screen real estate. Some of the most successful online casinos rely on this software company for their gaming catalogs. This brand is mainly focused on providing casino operators and players with top-quality slot games.
The company secured licenses in a huge number of jurisdictions, including Malta and the United Kingdom. In 2016, the London-based software company stated that it joined forces with the Hungarian gaming group Las Vegas Casino Diamond for the provision of its full gaming suite.
Evolution Gaming
There is barely any casino enthusiast who has never heard of Evolution Gaming. This software provider is a heavyweight on the iGaming scene, providing live dealer games of unsurpassed quality. Since its inception in 2006, this software company has always been dedicated to providing an exciting gaming environment to players from all over the world.
In addition to that, 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 and rewarding gaming experience is no picnic. Players need to select several gambling sites and conduct a thorough research about them. Usually, this is a time-consuming process, and players often only check the available games and promotions before they set up an account and start playing for real money.
Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach as there are other aspects such as the casino’s license, mobile compatibility, reputability, payment solutions, and others that you need to consider before selecting an online gambling stop. In the lines below, we would like to provide Hungarian players with a list of trusted and proven online casinos.
Videoslots Casino
Videoslots Casino is not a newbie on the iGaming market. The online casino was unveiled in 2011 and it 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 site offers something for everyone. The games you will come across are developed by some leading software companies, and namely Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Betsoft, iSoftBet, Yggdrasil, etc.
What is more, casino enthusiasts can reach Videoslots’ gaming content via their portable devices that utilize Android or iOS. The interface of the casino is designed in a user-friendly way, so navigation through the website is a piece of cake.
Videoslots Casino caters to players from various jurisdictions. Hence, the platform of the casino is available in several languages. As for the payments, casino enthusiasts can make deposits and withdrawals in different currencies. On top of that, this virtual casino certainly has 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. This casino was founded in 2017 and it already managed to attract a loyal audience of casino aficionados. This virtual casino is heavily packed with games that span across various genres. Some interesting titles that come with progressive jackpots include Mega Moolah Isis, Major Millions, Cash Splash, and others.
The casino’s product roster is courtesy of high-end software companies such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Betsoft, Evolution Gaming, and others. The games are compatible with various mobile devices based on Android and iOS. King Billy Casino is licensed in Curacao, thus providing a safe gaming environment.
In case you are not a fluent English speaker, you should not worry too much as the casino offers its platform in various languages. In addition to that, you can enjoy a helpful and friendly customer support service whenever you need it.
Slotum Casino
Launched in 2018, Slotum Casino has already built up a massive reputation among players from different countries. The interactive casino offers an abundant gaming catalog developed by an impressive range of top software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming, etc. The games included in the casino’s catalog span across major genres such as slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer line-up.
Apart from the massive gaming portfolio, this virtual casino is fully regulated by the Government of Curacao. Operating on various markets, Slotum Casino took care to make its much-appreciated fans feel at home. For that purpose, the casino offers several language options and it supports payments in various currencies.
The payment options employed by this online casino are among the most trusted in the industry. Players can easily top up their gaming accounts or cash out their winnings. The bonuses that are up for grabs will certainly boost casino devotees’ winning chances and provide them with hours of fun.
Enzo Casino
Enzo Casino was presented to the online gambling community in 2016 and it quickly started to gain traction. This virtual casino brags about its nice collection of exciting games that are created by industry leaders, including Betsoft, Evolution Gaming, 1×2 Gaming, Booming Games, and others. Enzo Casino works like a charm even on portable devices thanks to its intuitive in-browser app.
In case you wish to upload funds to your gaming account or pull out your winnings, you can do so via one of the multiple payment options that are available at Enzo Casino. The virtual casino also has a reliable customer support department that is at the players’ disposal 24/7.
What is more, Enzo Casino offers lucrative bonuses for both newcomers and existing players. The casino’s customer-oriented approach sends it among the top-rated gambling sites. Both skilled and rookie players will be satisfied with their stay at Enzo Casino as it 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 that is owned and operated by Direx N.V. – a company with vast experience in the industry. The virtual casino comes with over 1,000 games that feature interesting themes and crystal-clear graphics. Thanks to software companies such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, etc., the interactive casino can brag about its top-quality gaming catalog.
To reach a broader audience, GunsBet Casino is also available to mobile players. The casino features a slick interface that preserves its functionality even on limited screen size. Furthermore, the payments can be processed in multiple currencies and the casino is available in several languages.
This Curacao-licensed gambling site is dedicated to providing an enjoyable and trustworthy gaming environment. Provided that you have questions, you can get in touch with the professional customer support agents that are available around-the-clock. In addition to that, players are provided with a plethora of safe payment solutions.
7bit Casino
Since its establishment in 2014, 7bit Casino has made huge leaps towards joining the top online casinos. This interactive casino has a big variety of games on offer, with the slots collection being the widest. The operator joined forces with several reputable software companies, and more precisely iSoftBet, Ezugi, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, etc. to ensure the top quality of its gaming library. This virtual casino is completely legitimate and it is operating thanks to its license issued by the Government of Curacao.
Furthermore, 7bit Casino is mobile-optimized, so that players can enjoy their favorite games even on the go. If you need professional assistance when playing at this virtual casino, you can contact the friendly customer support representatives via live chat or by sending them an email.
If you are still wondering whether 7bit Casino is worth your attention, we would like to inform you that you can benefit from a lucrative Welcome Bonus as a newcomer. In addition to that, you can deposit or withdraw funds in a hassle-free and prompt manner.
Casoo Casino
Casoo Casino is a new player in the online gambling world, having appeared on the scene in 2019. The virtual casino spreads its wings in various jurisdictions, including Hungary. Once you visit this casino, you will be impressed by its well-constructed site and the variety of games it offers. The casino relies on well-established software providers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Betsoft, iSoftBet, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Habanero, and others to power its gaming content.
Players should not doubt Casoo Casino’s fairness as it operates under a license issued by the Government of Curacao. What is more, the casino features multiple banking solutions that are recognized as some of the most trustworthy payment methods.
Newcomers are treated with utmost care as they are provided with the opportunity to take advantage of a bountiful Welcome Bonus. Casoo Casino aims at providing the very best casino experience to all players, so its customer support team is available 24/7.
BitStarz Casino
BitStarz Casino is a gambling site that offers a nice combination of a fantastic eye-pleasing interface, a nice range of games that suits both novice and experienced players, and tasty promotions. The casino was established in 2014, and over the years of experience, it managed to adapt to the highest demands of casino devotees. The virtual casino offers a remarkable gambling experience even if you decide to play via your portable device.
The online casino got the green light to operate from the Government of Curacao. In addition to that, the casino operator teamed up with top-rated casino content developers, including but not limited to NetEnt, Betsoft, Microgaming, Evolution, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, and Ezugi. The operator is well-known among players for its generosity, so you can expect nice promotions and bonuses.
The payment solutions are various, so that players can choose the one that is most convenient for them. What is more, the casino’s highly-responsive customer support department is contactable via two venues, and more precisely email or live chat.
Volt Casino
Volt Casino was founded in 2018 and has been proving popular ever since. The virtual casino is dedicated to delivering a complete gaming experience. For that reason, the casino operator teamed up with several software providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Evolution Gaming, Betsoft, etc. that are extremely popular among the online gambling community for their high-quality products.
At Volt Casino, casino aficionados will find top-shelf titles that can be reached also via portable devices based on Android and iOS. As for the trustworthiness of this casino, players should be informed that Volt Casino is regulated by two of the strictest regulators in the industry, and more precisely the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
The casino also offers 24/7 customer support care. You can get in touch with the casino’s friendly and knowledgeable customer support agents via live chat or by sending them an email. In case you are interested in depositing funds to your account, you are provided with several payment options that support also 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 that is comprised of over 1,300 games. The games feature unmatched quality and that could not be any other way, having in mind the top-tier software developers that created them. Microgaming, NetEnt, Betsoft, Play’n GO, and Yggdrasil are some of the names that power this casino.
What is more, iOS and Android users can access the casino’s gaming content thanks to its in-browser app. In case of a pickle, you will have no issues contacting the casino’s customer support department. Loki Casino is recognized as a safe online gambling spot thanks to its license issued by the Government of Curacao.
As for the available promotions, you will certainly not be disappointed with the generosity of the operator. The casino supports payments in multiple currencies. Deposits and withdrawals can be processed via various payment methods that are globally recognized as safe.
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Find the answers of questions people asked so far:
What did the new online gambling law from 2023 change in the iGaming sector in Hungary?
In February 2022, Hungary introduced a new piece of legislation, which aimed to put an end to the long-run state monopoly over the gambling market in the country. Under the new law, which was implemented in January 2023, more online gambling products have become legal in Hungary. Prior to this law, Hungarians were allowed to legally bet online on horse races and card games. Following the amendment to the Gambling Act, now online sports betting and casino games have also been legalized, widening the spectrum of legal online gambling products in the country.
Operators who wish to offer their online gambling products to Hunagirans will need to acquire a license from the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SZTFH). At the moment of writing this answer, the Hungarian licensing authority still has not granted a license to a foreign operator, with the only licensed operator currently being 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 has introduced an ISP blocking model, restricting access to such websites. In addition to denying Hungarians access to unlicensed casinos, the government had also proposed other tools that would make gambling online extra hard for Hungarians. These included payment blockings, further decreasing the range of available payment options for those who enjoy virtual gambling. Starting July 2023, the new set of payment blockings will be implemented. If the Supervisory Authority of Regulatory Affairs (SARA) determines that an operator is offering prohibited gambling services, the regulator will issue a restriction on 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 introduced a major amendment to the Gambling Act, which allowed operators to apply for online gambling licenses, enabling legal online casino gambling for Hungarians. According to the latest changes in the law, operators are required to have experience in operating legal gambling activities in the European Economic Area (EEA) of at least five years. The license will be denied if the operator has been operating without a license for the last five years. The application fee has been determined to be HUF10m (£23,000/€26,000/$29,000). In addition to the application fee, operators will also be asked to have a share capital of at least HUF1 billion and pay a license fee of HUF600 million. A gaming tax amounting to 15% of gross gambling revenue will also be imposed on licensed operators. A supervision fee of 2.5% will also be levied on costs amounting to a maximum of HUF10 million.