What might happen to iGaming industry in Hungary after Orban has lost the elections?

This article is prepared by the team behind Sportfogadaspro.com and is nothing but speculations based on some hard facts. 

Hungary will experience a political shift after recent elections, and the iGaming sector could potentially face significant regulatory changes. While predicting political outcomes is uncertain, examining the current system and the pressures surrounding it helps illustrate what could happen to the industry.

Hungary’s gambling industry is regulated under the Gambling Act (Act XXXIV of 1991), which governs both land-based and online gambling activities. For many years, the system functioned largely as a state-dominated monopoly, where the government-owned company Szerencsejáték Zrt. controlled most online gambling operations.

The regulatory framework also created major barriers for foreign operators. For example, online casino licences historically required companies to operate a land-based casino inside Hungary, which effectively excluded most international online-only operators.

Authorities have also used strict enforcement tools such as:

• Blocking access to unlicensed gambling websites

• Restricting advertising for offshore operators

• Ordering internet providers to prevent access to illegal platforms

These policies have produced one of the most restricted iGaming markets in the European Union.

Recent reforms already changing the market

Even before any potential political change, Hungary has begun to adjust its gambling rules under pressure from European law and court rulings.

In 2018, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that Hungary’s licensing rules restricting foreign operators violated EU principles on the freedom to provide services. As a result, Hungary introduced reforms in 2023 allowing private operators from the European Economic Area (EEA) to apply for online sports betting licences.

However, the market remains difficult to enter. Strict requirements have discouraged foreign companies from applying for licences so far.

What could change after a political shift

If a new government were to replace Orbán’s administration, the direction of Hungary’s gambling policy could change in several ways.

1. A more open licensing system

A new government might move toward a fully competitive licensing system, similar to those used in countries like Sweden, Denmark, or the Netherlands. Such systems typically allow multiple domestic and international operators to enter the market, provided they meet regulatory standards for consumer protection and responsible gambling. This approach could significantly expand Hungary’s iGaming sector and attract foreign investment.

2. Easier market entry for international operators

Currently, strict licensing conditions and ties to land-based casinos limit competition. A political shift could result in reforms that remove these barriers, making it easier for global operators to obtain licences.

This would likely bring:

• More casino platforms and betting options

• Increased competition

• Larger marketing and sponsorship investments in Hungarian sports.

3. Alignment with European Gambling Regulation

Hungary has already faced legal pressure from EU institutions over its restrictive gambling policies. A new government might seek closer alignment with EU single-market principles, which support cross-border services within the European Economic Area. Such alignment could reduce regulatory conflicts and encourage international operators to enter the Hungarian market.

4. Potential Tax Reform

Another possible change could involve taxation. Governments that open gambling markets often adjust tax rates to attract operators while still generating public revenue.

Lower or more balanced taxes could encourage legal operators to enter Hungary instead of targeting players through offshore platforms.

Why major changes are not guaranteed

Despite the potential for reform, major changes are not certain. Several factors could slow or limit liberalization:

Institutional inertia – Gambling legislation tends to evolve slowly, regardless of political leadership.

Public policy concerns – Governments often maintain tight gambling controls due to concerns about addiction, fraud, and social harm.

Existing industry stakeholders – Companies currently benefiting from the system may resist reforms that increase competition. As a result, any changes would likely occur gradually rather than immediately after an election.

Now, when Viktor Orbán has lost power, the country could potentially move toward a more open and competitive gambling market, with easier access for international operators and closer alignment with European regulations.

However, the pace and scale of change would depend on political priorities, economic considerations, and ongoing legal pressures from the European Union. For the iGaming industry, Hungary remains a market with significant potential but also considerable uncertainty about its future direction.