The Rapid Gambling Industry Growth In Hungary

Hungary’s gambling market has changed sharply in the past two years, with 2023 reforms opening online sports betting to private operators and ending the long state monopoly. Licensed turnover has since grown, while regulators tightened oversight with stricter compliance and consumer safeguards. The country’s experience highlights Europe’s broader struggle to balance liberalisation with control, raising questions about who gains, which products drive growth, and where risks remain for both players and operators.

The Legal Reset: How Hungary Opened The Door (But Not All The Way)

Until recently, Hungary’s gambling landscape was dominated by Szerencsejáték Zrt., the state-owned company that held exclusive rights over lotteries, betting, and casinos. In January 2023, legislation introduced a major shift: online sports betting licences became available to private EEA operators. Online casinos, however, were kept under tight control, limited to land-based concession holders.

The Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SARA, or SZTFH in Hungarian) became the central regulator, empowered to issue licences, set standards, and sanction non-compliance. Its enforcement tools include fines, blocking orders, and licence withdrawal, giving it significant weight over the emerging digital market.

Entry is not simple. Applicants face high capital requirements, technical audits, and ongoing supervisory fees. Only firms with substantial backing can realistically 

Demand Drivers: Why Players Are Moving Online (And Sticking)

The rise of digital financial services has coincided with changing consumer habits. Increasingly, Hungarian users favor mobile-first tools — checking balances on their phones, making instant transfers, and monitoring investments in real time. Fast-moving financial instruments, where values shift quickly, have drawn a younger audience seeking immediate feedback on their choices. At the same time, traditional savings accounts and long-term investments remain steady staples, anchoring broader financial activity. Much like gamers track new releases and interactive formats, Hungarian users embrace platforms that combine familiarity with intuitive, visually engaging experiences. This blend of innovation and reliability keeps people returning, shaping a financial landscape as dynamic and interactive as the digital squares where communities now gather.

Supply Side: Who’s Actually Winning Licences (And Why)

The 2023 reforms opened sports betting to EEA firms, but only a few licences have been granted. High entry barriers — steep fees, strict compliance, and proof of financial security — deter smaller firms. As a result, the market remains concentrated among established operators, while the system continues to favour incumbents over new entrants.

Player Protection & Enforcement: Growth With Guardrails

The surge in digital gambling also brings risks. Hungarian authorities have made clear that KYC and AML checks are non-negotiable, and operators face sanctions if they fall short. Advertising must also comply with restrictions, and sites without a licence risk being blocked.

Trust is not automatic. Why trust online casinos? The answer lies in:

• Visible licences issued by SARA
• Transparent payment policies
• Independent audits of game fairness
• Responsible gambling tools such as deposit caps and time-out functions
• Robust customer support in Hungarian

Support networks reinforce this framework. Regulators frame gambling as entertainment, not a livelihood, urging players to set personal boundaries. For the Authority, the balance is delicate: foster a growing market while keeping vulnerable users safe. This dual mandate defines Hungary’s next phase of digital gambling.

Offshore Gravity: What Still Pulls Players Away

Despite reforms, many Hungarians still try offshore sites. Their attraction is obvious: larger lobbies, crypto options, cashback rewards, and lighter verification steps.

Despite reforms, many Hungarians continue using offshore sites, drawn by larger game lobbies, crypto payments, cashback rewards, and lighter verification. The risks are significant, though — without a SARA licence there is no guaranteed recourse if payouts fail, and players may also face unclear tax obligations.

Licensed operators counter with faster domestic payments, Hungarian-language support, and transparent bonus terms to retain customers. If Hungary follows markets like Sweden by making quick withdrawals a regulatory standard, it could strengthen trust and reduce the appeal of offshore platforms.

The Numbers Behind The Headlines: Market Size And 2026–2028 Scenarios

Market figures show steady growth in Hungary since the 2023 reforms. Betting turnover is rising, and regulated casinos tied to concessions continue to expand. Demand is clear, even if access remains limited.

In 2025, total revenue is expected to reach about US$1.71 billion, climbing to nearly US$1.91 billion by 2029. By that point, the number of active users should approach 3.5 million, with penetration reaching around 34% of the adult population. These numbers underline how gambling is becoming a mainstream leisure choice in Hungary.

Across Europe, forecasts suggest online gambling revenue will keep climbing until at least 2029, with casino products generating the bulk. Hungary’s growth trajectory depends on whether the state opens the casino market more fully or keeps it concession-bound.

Three scenarios emerge:

1. Base case: Betting continues to expand, casinos remain limited, and advertising tightens.
2. Upside: More licences are issued, payment rails improve, and channelisation exceeds 90%.
3. Downside: Heavier ad restrictions and slow KYC adoption push users offshore.

Projections show Hungary moving upward, but the slope depends on regulatory choices. A simple line chart comparing national growth to EU averages illustrates the delicate balance between policy and demand.

The Road Ahead

Hungary’s gambling sector is undergoing rapid change. Regulation, taxation, and shifting consumer habits have pushed it into a new phase, yet uneven licensing leaves questions open. The growth is undeniable, but its future shape depends on how the state balances revenue, player safety, and competition.

Data and Sources:
https://onlinekaszinok.com/ –  is a Hungarian-focused platform that highlights local player preferences — from trusted payment methods to bonus expectations and regulatory background — making it a valuable reference for understanding market behaviour in Hungary.
https://www.statista.com/ – provides market size forecasts, revenue projections, and user penetration figures for Hungary’s gambling sector through 2025–2029.
https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/ – outlines the EU framework where member states, including Hungary, regulate gambling services independently under internal market rules.