Central Europe
Hungary Regulator Implements New Gambling Act Amendments

Hungarian gaming regulator Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SZTFH) issued a decree implementing new technical measures in response to amendments to the country’s Gambling Act.
In February 2022, Hungary introduced legislation aiming to end the country’s sports betting state monopoly system, to be replaced with a competitive licensing process more in line with many of its neighbouring states and implemented by the SZTFH. The previous system had been ruled unlawful by the Court of Justice of the European Union in 2017.
This new regime – which was launched on 1 January 2023 – brought in a number of requirements for applicants looking to launch in the state.
Operators who wish to receive authorisation from the SZTFH must have at least five years of experience offering licensed online gaming in a European Economic Area state. The law also explicitly forbids a business from being awarded a licence if the company has been involved in broadcasting unlicensed gaming within five years of the application date.
The law established a HUF10m (€26,000) application fee for operators. In addition, businesses must have share capital of at least HUF1bn, pay a licence fee of HUF600m – as well as pay a supervision fee and gaming tax amounting to 2.5% and 15% of gross gambling revenue respectively. The supervision fee only applies to a maximum of HUF10m in costs.
As of March, the SZTFH has not yet approved any foreign operators to launch in Hungary, having only issued a licence to state-owned former monopoly Szerencsejáték Zrt, which operates through the Tippmixpro.hu online portal. Three Hungarian land-based casinos are also approved to offer online casino through a tethered licence.
In January 2023, Hungary introduced further legislation amending the country’s Gambling Act by implementing a number of more technical changes in order to facilitate the new gaming market. Previously, the law limited a player to only one balance with an operator. Under the new rules, a consumer may have multiple balances linked to each game.
Among other changes, the legislation also allowed for businesses to provide users with the chance to cash out early if the game is designed in such a way. According to the text, cash out is to be subject to the same rules and restrictions governing the payment of winnings.
The regulator’s decree implements the newly amended Gaming Act on a state agency level. It announces a new safer gambling feature to accompany the roll-out of early cash outs in Hungary.
“The gambling operator is obliged to expressly draw the player’s attention to the fact that the use of this function entails an increased risk of excessive gambling and addiction and this information shall appear in the text of promotion in the same font size as the text,” reads the decree.
“The gambling operator shall also make available to the player on the gambling website the information that the use of that function entails an increased risk of excessive gambling and addiction.”
Central Europe
Push Gaming enters Switzerland with Grand Casino Luzern

B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has expanded its reach across Europe, following its entry into Switzerland with the prominent operator Grand Casino Luzern.
The agreement is the first for Push Gaming within the regulated Swiss jurisdiction and will see world-renowned titles like Razor Returns, Jammin’ Jars and Wild Swarm be offered to the operator, alongside new hits such as Boss Bear.
Grand Casino Luzern’s online brand mycasino will gain access to these titles on an eight-week exclusivity deal. During this time, it will be the only operator to offer Push Gaming titles in the market before its portfolio is rolled out to additional operators thereafter.
Push Gaming’s entry into Switzerland exemplifies the provider’s global expansion strategy and acts as a precursor for further growth within Europe and around the world. It follows the company’s recent entries into markets including Greece, Colombia and Italy.
Fiona Hickey, Director of New Business and Markets at Push Gaming, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Grand Casino Luzern whilst simultaneously entering the Swiss market.
“The operator’s leading position within Switzerland will allow our fan favourite titles to reach a vast audience and aid in further growth within the market thereafter. We are excited to see players’ reception to our unique content.”
Wolfgang Bliem, CEO at Grand Casino Luzern, said: “We are thrilled to be the first operator to introduce Push Gaming’s captivating slot titles to the passionate Swiss player base. This achievement underscores our leading position in the industry and the esteemed reputation of the mycasino brand.
“Our goal is to offer players the broadest range of high-quality titles that also provide innovation and transformative gameplay experiences, and through the partnership with Push Gaming, we reaffirm these aspirations. We are ecstatic to exclusively showcase their content on our platform, leading the way in doing so in Switzerland.”
Central Europe
BetConstruct Receives German Licence for Virtual Slot Machine Games from GGL

Gaming technology and services provider BetConstruct has received a Virtual Slot Machines License from the GGL, Germany’s iGaming regulator.
By receiving this new licence, BetConstruct can now offer virtual online slot machines in compliance with German gambling laws and requirements. This opens up new horizons and opportunities for everyone interested in the German market, including slot game providers, BetConstruct operators and players alike.
Hermine Gevorgyan, Head of BetConstruct’s Licensing and Certification Department, said: “We are thrilled to announce our successful acquisition of the German virtual slot licence – a remarkable accomplishment that marks the culmination of a challenging and rewarding journey for our entire team.”
“Securing the German slot licence was undeniably a challenging journey, but today, we stand proud as we celebrate this significant achievement. With this licence in hand, we are poised to introduce a new niche to the market, setting higher standards and redefining excellence in the gaming industry with our innovative and award-winning products tailored for the German market,” Gor Mnatsakanyan, BetConstruct’s Regional Director in Germany, said.
Central Europe
Pariplay makes German market debut through ZEAL launch

NeoGames S.A subsidiary Pariplay® has gone live with Wizard Games content in the regulated market of Germany, through the country’s leading online lottery operator ZEAL.
A range of feature-rich and innovative slots from Pariplay®’s in-house studio Wizard Games will be made available to German players through the deal, starting with smash-hit flagship title Dragons of the North.
ZEAL is the leading online provider of state-licensed lottery products that operates through its B2C brands LOTTO24 and Tipp24. The company recently also branched out into virtual scratch cards and arcade-style releases via ZEAL Instant Games. ZEAL is renowned for offering users a seamless and personalised experience, with its original lottery products backed by outstanding customer service.
Further titles from the Wizard Games portfolio will be supplied to the operator in the coming months through Pariplay®’s Fusion®, further expanding the range of entertainment available for players in the potential-rich German market.
Pariplay®’s Fusion® offering consists of over 14,000 games from 120+ suppliers, as well as a comprehensive suite of back-office conversion and retention tools that enhance player value, including Fusion Tournaments, Raffle Rocket and Spin that Wheel.
Through the latest launch with ZEAL, Pariplay® has taken its latest step toward the long-term goal of becoming a leading content supplier worldwide, following a series of important deals to offer content from its Fusion platform.
Enrico Bradamante, Chief Commercial Officer at Pariplay, said: “The German market is one of strategic importance for Pariplay, as we continue to expand in regulated markets globally. ZEAL is one of the country’s leading lights and we can’t wait to see how Wizard Games content performs with its players.”
Julian Tietz, Managing Director, ZEAL Instant Games, said: “We are delighted to have another strong partner at our side in Pariplay®, with whom we can further expand our slots offering and strategically grow our business. Pariplay® is renowned as one of the industry’s premier providers and their popular content will help us to further engage with our diverse player base. Through our cooperation, we are proud to be the first operator to bring Wizard Games to the German Market.”
-
Eastern Europe4 days ago
7777 gaming goes live on Superbet, Romania’s premier online operator
-
Compliance Updates4 days ago
Videoslots awarded Swedish licence extension
-
Gaming Awards5 days ago
SOFTSWISS Becomes iGaming Brand IDOL 2023
-
Balkans4 days ago
EGT Digital’s Jackpot Top Seller Clover Chance is Live on Everbet
-
Industry News2 days ago
ANJ Publishes a Study to Evaluate the Illegal Online Gambling in France and Gain a Better Understanding of Consumer Practices
-
Central Europe4 days ago
CT Interactive’s Content Goes Live with Fortuna Slovakia
-
Baltics4 days ago
PopOK Gaming games are now certified for Lithuania
-
Compliance Updates4 days ago
Jelly Entertainment Awarded Game Host Licence by Gambling Commission and Recognition Notice by MGA