The legal landscape of online gambling in Hungary: what You need to know
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In this article, we will delve deeper into how online gambling operates in Hungary, including key information for players to be aware of, as well as the entities that can legally offer gambling services, which will aid in selecting a suitable platform.
The Current Legal Framework for Online Gambling in Hungary
Let’s first start by understanding the current legal framework of online gambling in Hungary.
Hungary’s gambling industry is mainly governed by the 1991 Gambling Act. Initially, the focus of this law was on traditional, land-based gambling, like lottery games and casinos. It has, however, been changed multiple times to include online gambling as well.
Who Regulates Gambling in Hungary?
The Gambling Supervision Authority (Szerencsejáték Felügyelet) is in charge of making sure gambling is done fairly and, most importantly, legally. They have a few tasks, including:
- Approving licences for operators, both online and land-based
- Monitoring sites to make sure they follow all the regulations, including fairness of games and payment methods
- Investigating illegal gambling activities, which can include unlicensed websites
- Protecting players and their rights, both personal and financial
Their goal is to make sure the gambling environment is safe, fair, and transparent for each player.
Who Can Operate Legally in Hungary?
If a company is looking to start with gambling services in Hungary, there are a few requirements they have to meet in order to get a licence from the Gambling Supervision Authority.
This includes having a secure and reliable gaming website and proving that their games are fair. On top of this, they are required to follow specific rules on responsible gaming, and they need to protect the players’ money and information.
Local vs. Foreign Operators
Online gambling was limited to state-run businesses in Hungary. For example, online sports betting was controlled by the national lottery organization, Szerencsejáték Zrt.
The European Union (EU), however, argued that this was unfair and that it violated EU free market laws. As a result, Hungary changed its regulations in 2023 to allow requests for licenses from businesses based in the EU. Foreign companies can now lawfully provide online gaming services in Hungary as long as they get a license and follow all regulations.
What Players Need to Know
Now that we have a general overview of the regulations for businesses, let’s take a look at what players need to know and what they need to focus on if they want to take part in online gambling in Hungary. This can be especially useful if you are planning to travel to Hungary.
Legal Age
To legally gamble in Hungary, you need to be 18 years or older, and legal gambling websites are required to verify your age before you can even start playing to prevent fraud.
Types of Gambling Allowed
In Hungary, players can choose from different types of legal gambling options, including:
- Sports betting
- Casino games
- Lottery and scratch cards
What’s important to keep in mind is that all these activities need to be done through a licensed website, in order to be sure that they are legal and fair.
Trusted Platforms and Secure Payment Methods
When it comes to safe online gambling, the first step is to find a trusted platform where you don’t have to worry about whether your information is safe or the legitimacy of the games you play.
Here is how you can recognize a safe platform;
- License information is displayed clearly
- Secure website – HTTPS – look for the padlock symbol in the browser bar, which means the site uses SSL encryption to protect your data
- Fair games that are tested by third parties
- Transparent terms and conditions
- Great customer availability
Keeping your eye out for these features can help you choose a safe platform where you don’t have to worry about keeping your information safe.
When it comes to protecting your personal data, especially financial details, it’s important to choose platforms that offer secure and flexible payment options. Licensed gambling sites typically provide a variety of methods, including bank cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion: A Balanced and Evolving Gambling Environment
With legal changes aiming at establishing a safe and fair environment for operators and players alike, Hungary’s online gambling industry is changing. It’s important that players follow responsible gambling guidelines as the market grows, which includes setting limits, identifying the warning signs of problem gambling, and getting help when needed. For success in Hungary’s regulated market, operators must stick to the strict licensing guidelines and encourage responsible gaming.
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