Central Europe
New authority for supervising gambling activities, and other changes after the Unibet-case
With its Decree No. 183/2017 (July 5), the Hungarian Government established the Gambling Supervisory Authority (“GSA”), a new authority for supervising gambling activities and services in Hungary.
I. Background of the reorganization
Prior to the establishment of the GSA, the competent department of the Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration (“Administration”) executed the supervisory powers. Now, this department has been separated from the Administration and the GSA undertook the role of supervising gambling activities. The GSA falls under the control of the Minister for National Development and performs its tasks with national competence. The reorganization was underpinned by the facts that the proper surveillance of the industry sector in question and the required increase in staff necessitated the establishment of a separate administrative body.
II. Focuses of the Administration
In 2016, the gambling department of the Administration issued approx. 160 authorizations, performed more than 13,000 inspections and rendered 445 decisions imposing fines amounting to HUF 1,700,000,000 (approx. EUR 5,555,555). The most concerned area was the administrative supervision of the online gambling sector (i.e. provision of online – distance – gambling services without proper license). The gambling operators mainly contested the condemning administrative decisions of the gambling authority and in the previous year, 60 from the 80 court decisions were made in favour of the Tax Administration. It is also highlighted however that 170 litigations concerning the judicial review of administrative decisions regarding online gambling services are still pending. The practice of supervision of the online gambling sector in Hungary was also reviewed by the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”), which confirmed in its judgement dated June 22, 2017 ( delivered in case C-49/16 Unibet International Ltd versus Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration) that the Hungarian regulation on online gambling services infringed Article 56 TFEU (freedom of services). The ECJ declared that even if the regulation itself theoretically provides for the possibility that any service provider is eligible for acquiring authorization for providing online gambling services, in the absence of transparency and specific technical rules for implementation and/or application thereof, the regulation shall still qualify as an unlawful restriction of the freedom of services. As regards pending litigations, the newly established Authority will take over the place of the Administration and now it is up to the competent courts how they interpret the statements of the ECJ as mentioned above with respect to the condemning administrative decisions.
III. New rules concerning operator responsibility and joint player account
Government Decree No. 294/2017 (October 10) further consolidates the protection of minors from the harmful effects of gambling and clarifies the responsibilities of gambling operators regarding player self-restraint measures. Ministerial Decree No. 30/2017 (October 10) introduces new rules regarding the joint player account, which creates the possibility of accounting various types of betting, prizes and other gaming transactions under one account, which concerns several types of games organized by a sole operator. Ministerial Decree No. 34/2017 (October 26) imposes further anti-money laundering obligations on certain gambling operators (e.g. casino, cardroom, online casino operators), such as internal risk assessment, customer identification, due diligence and requirements of audited electronic means of communication.
Central Europe
Spinomenal teams up with Slovakian market leader Niké
Spinomenal, the leading iGaming content provider, has agreed a new content partnership with Slovakian giant, Niké. The integration will be completed via the Easit platform, part of Synot Group.
As one of Slovakia’s star performers, joining forces with Niké enables Spinomenal to amplify its presence in the region. Niké’s casino players will have seamless access to Spinomenal’s stunning selection of titles, which includes big hitters Queen of Ice, Wildfire Fruits, and Wacky Monkey.
Lior Shvartz, CEO for Spinomenal commented: “Teaming up with Niké adds momentum to our ongoing mission of increasing our presence within regulated markets. We’re buoyed by the chance to showcase our games to more players within Slovakia.”
Jan Pecha, Casino Director for N I K É added: “The collaboration aims to leverage the unique strengths and expertise of each company, fostering a synergistic relationship that will propel both entities to new heights. By combining forces, N I K É and Spinomenal are poised to deliver unparalleled value to their clients.”
Central Europe
HIPTHER’s Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Boasts All-star Sponsors and Record Registrations
HIPTHER, leading event organizers for the iGaming and Technology industries, are thrilled to announce that the 2024 edition of their Prague Gaming & TECH Summit has reached an all-time record of registrations and renowned Speakers participations, while being supported by a star-studded lineup of Sponsors from the sectors of iGaming, Compliance, and Web3.
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 will be the 8th edition of HIPTHER’s boutique conference that stands proudly in the heart of Europe as the pioneering event merging the future of iGaming and Technology. HIPTHER’s guiding principle for 2024,“Via Infinita” – the boundless journey of discovery – set the tone for the conference to reach new heights.
On March 25th, #hipthers will be welcoming more than 250 registered participants and over 90 speakers, sponsored by renowned companies from iGaming, compliance, and technology.
Sponsors Spotlight: The Companies Supporting Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024
HIPTHER is proud and humbled to have received increased Sponsorship interest by the gaming and technology ecosystems, gaining the support of innovative and successful companies. The #hipthers are thankful to these amazing sponsors for their invaluable contribution to the Premier iGaming & Tech Event in CEE, the Balkans, and D-A-CH regions:
GR8 Tech – Main Stage Sponsor
GR8 Tech is an International iGaming provider of high-performance Sportsbook and Casino platforms.
Atlas-IAC – Bracelet and Badge Sponsor
Atlas-IAC is a next-generation platform for iGaming operators, built by a team of industry professionals with key development offices in Europe.
SYNOT Games – Lanyards Sponsor
SYNOT Games is an innovative iGaming company crafting visually stunning and highly playable original slots, boasting 130+ titles in several jurisdictions.
NSoft – Pen and Paper Sponsor
NSoft is a B2B software development company specializing in custom software solutions for the iGaming industry.
Endorphina – Party Sponsor of the Endorphina Club 777 Networking Party
Endorphina is a top slot game provider for online casinos, captivating diverse markets by prioritizing player engagement.
Relax Gaming – Wellness & Relaxation Sponsor
Relax Gaming Group simplifies B2B content delivery for modern iGaming companies through a vast portfolio of 1000+ casino games.
Pixpel – Delegates Bag Sponsor
Pixpel.io is a multiplatform specialized to provide all-around services for the Web3 community.
Nordic Gambling – Scandinavian Legal Expertise Sponsor
Nordic Gambling is the only legal firm in the Nordic countries which specialises in gambling related law such as licensing, compliance advice and public affairs.
Gaming in Poland | RM Legal – CEE Legal Expertise Sponsor
Gaming in Poland is the only company in Poland offering multidisciplinary support for gambling industry entities operating in the Polish market.
Institute for Gambling Regulation (IFGR) Czech Republic – Strategic Partner
IFGR is the largest national professional association in the field of gambling, representing 95% of the legal gambling market in the Czech Republic.
Find out more information about the Sponsors at the official Prague Gaming & TECH Summit website.
Zoltan Tuendik, Co-founder of organizing company HIPTHER, commented about the record-breaking numbers of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit for 2024:
“As we approach another edition, the Summit continues to embody our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the exploration of future frontiers. It’s a testament to the power of community and the endless possibilities when we come together to shape the future”.
HIPTHER is looking forward to welcoming the distinguished 250+ participants of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, including top-tier executives, compliance experts, government officials, and thought leaders across iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality, for an extraordinary experience of learning and networking!
There is a limited number of spaces still available – Register Now and Join us in Prague!
Central Europe
HIPTHER’s Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 reaches new milestones with record registrations and prominent sponsors
HIPTHER, a leading event organiser for the iGaming and Technology industries, is proud to announce that the 2024 edition of their Prague Gaming & TECH Summit has achieved record-breaking registrations and secured the support of renowned sponsors from the iGaming, compliance, and Web3 sectors.
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024, the eighth edition of HIPTHER’s boutique conference, stands as the pioneering event in the heart of Europe, merging the future of iGaming and Technology. Guided by the principle ‘Via Infinita’ – the boundless journey of discovery – the conference is set to reach new heights.
On March 25th, #hipthers will welcome more than 250 registered participants and over 90 speakers, sponsored by distinguished companies from iGaming, compliance, and technology.
HIPTHER is honoured to have received increased sponsorship interest from the gaming and technology ecosystems. The #hipthers express their gratitude to GR8 Tech, Atlas-IAC, SYNOT Games, NSoft, Endorphina, Relax Gaming, Pixpel, Nordic Gambling, Gaming in Poland and the Institute for Gambling Regulation in the Czech Repulic for their invaluable contribution to the premier iGaming and tech event in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Germany, Austria and Switzerland (D-A-CH) regions.
Zoltán Tűndik, Co-founder of HIPTHER, the company behind the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, said: “As we approach another edition, the Summit continues to embody our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the exploration of future frontiers. It’s a testament to the power of community and the endless possibilities when we come together to shape the future.”
HIPTHER looks forward to welcoming the distinguished 250+ participants of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, including top-tier executives, compliance experts, government officials, and thought leaders across iGaming, eSports, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality, for an extraordinary experience of learning and networking!
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