Legal casinos, lotteries, betting, bingo
Hungary regulates gambling through a single framework with industry supervision, so casinos, lotteries, sports betting and bingo are permitted activities subject to licenses/concessions and strict compliance rules. The online segment is also legal, but its models differ in verticals: remote bets are open to private licensees (under strict conditions), and online casinos are tied to land concessions.
1) Casino
Offline. They work according to the concession model: the state issues the right to operate land casinos to a limited number of operators. Inside - classic tables (roulette, blackjack, poker games), slots, VIP rooms.
Online. Online casinos can only be launched at the land casino concession holder. There is no separate "free" license only for a remote casino.
For players: age 18 +, mandatory identity verification, responsible play rules (deposit/time limits, timeout, self-exclusion), transparent payment procedures.
2) Lotteries
Lotteries are historically a "state" vertical with a centralized organization that allows for numerical circulations, instant products (scratchcards) and special draws.
Online access. Ticket sales and participation are allowed through authorized digital channels, subject to age and identification requirements.
Social function. Part of the income is traditionally directed to socially significant goals (sports, culture), which is reflected in the fiscal model.
3) Sports betting (bookmaking)
Offline. Betting stations are allowed within a regulated network.
Online. Since 2023, remote sports betting is open to private operators from the EEA when meeting high requirements: many years of experience in online gambling, local presence (branch), significant capital/collateral, full KYC/AML procedures and a responsible game plan.
Product. Prematch and live bets, wide painting, statistical markets are allowed; Mobile applications require transparency, availability, and data protection.
4) Bingo
The ground bingo format is allowed if there is an appropriate license/permit for the site and compliance with the rules for circulation, accounting for sales, payments and age control.
Online bingo can be offered through authorized channels in compliance with the same basic principles: identification, limits, transparent mechanics of the draw.
5) Online vs offline: Key differences
Casino: offline - by concession; online - only as an extension of the land concession.
Rates: offline - allowed in the network of points; online - a licensed market is open for private operators that meet strict criteria.
Lotteries/bingo: available offline and through official digital channels, with centralized control and technical regulations.
General rule: Any law-respecting online product is only available from a licensed/concession operator; unlicensed sites are subject to blocking.
6) Licensing and compliance: basic requirements for operators
Legal status and trustworthiness: proven experience, transparent ownership structure, absence of violations.
Financial stability: authorized capital, collateral, risk insurance, reservation for payments.
KYC/AML: verification of age and identity, transaction monitoring, procedures for assessing sources of funds if necessary.
Responsible play (RG): deposit/time limits, "time out," self-exclusion, risk communication, access to help.
Technical standards: data protection, live stability (for betting and live games), logging, independent RNG/equipment audits, stability and payout speed.
Advertising: moderation and reliability, prohibition of "win guarantees," inadmissibility of targeting minors and vulnerable groups.
7) Taxes and Fees: Principles
The online tax base is calculated from GGR (gross gaming revenue) taking into account the vertical and current rates.
License/administration fees, supervision fees, and reporting requirements for each product apply.
There are rules for players to tax winnings under Hungarian law; details depend on amount, type of play and current fiscal norms.
8) Consumer protection and market control
The supervisor checks compliance with laws, issues permits, conducts inspections, initiates blocking of unlicensed sites and restricting payment channels in their favor.
Transparency of payments: legal operators have clear terms (SLA), transaction status, clear conditions for bonuses/shares.
Privacy and cybersecurity: compliance with the requirements for the storage and processing of personal data, protection of communication channels, minimizing the risks of leaks.
9) Practical checklists
For the player
Play only with licensed/concession operators.
Include deposit and time limits, use "timeout "/self-exclusion if necessary.
Check payout rules, fees, and verification thresholds.
Remember: gaming is entertainment, not a way to make money; the age threshold is 18 +.
For the operator
Check if the model (concession/license) matches the selected vertical (casino, betting, lottery, bingo).
Ensure sustainable KYC/AML processes, RG tools "in one or two taps" and transparent SLAs for payments.
Maintain technical readiness: stable live, data protection, RNG/equipment audit, service quality telemetry.
Conduct correct marketing: without aggressive promises, with clear promo conditions.
In Hungary, casinos, lotteries, betting and bingo are legal but highly regulated formats. Both offline and online channels are allowed, and each vertical has its own admission models: from land casino concessions for online casinos to licensing remote bets for private operators. The result is a predictable, competitive and player-oriented market where those who follow the rules, transparently pay and systematically invest in safety and a responsible product win.