Hungary to Review Gambling Regulator SZTFH with View to Abolition

The future of Hungary’s gambling regulator is under review after the government announced its intention to examine the potential termination of the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH). A resolution published in the country's official gazette, Magyar Közlöny, on 31 August 2026, directs a review of legislation to determine how the authority could be abolished.

Under the plan, the regulator's functions would be transferred to bodies under direct government control. The Justice Minister has been tasked with reporting back to the government on the legal due diligence for such a move by 30 September 2026.

Broader Scrutiny Under New Government

The move comes as part of a wider examination of all state-run organisations by the new TISZA (Freedom and Reform Party) government. Other entities also under review include the national lottery and sports betting operator, Szerencsejáték Zrt. The SZTFH itself is a relatively new body, having been established just five years ago by an act of Parliament in 2021.

Scrutiny of the regulator has intensified following specific concerns, including the decision by the SZTFH to grant a 35-year casino licence to the company CAI Hungary Kft without conducting a public tender process. The SZTFH was established as an independent regulatory body, accountable solely to the Hungarian parliament for its operations and subject only to legislation.

Regulator Defends Performance

In response to the review, the SZTFH has defended its operational record. The authority claims it has achieved significant results within the gambling sector, particularly in its efforts to eliminate illegal online game organisers from the market.

The regulator also pointed to its work in other areas, such as the tobacco market. It stated that it had contributed to the protection of young people by strengthening measures for the protection of minors. These actions reportedly included tens of thousands of traffic inspections, consistent regulatory enforcement, and the blocking of illegal webshops. The outcome of the Justice Minister's report will determine whether these functions are brought under the direct authority of the government.