Hungary Casino Bonuses

Welcome promo packages

Typically, sign-up bonuses include some sort of deposit match, either for the initial deposit at the casino or for the first 3, 4, or 5 deposits. To sweeten the deal, some gambling operators combine that cash bonus with free spins, which are among the players’ favorite perks. Typically, the more appealing the respective prize is, the more wagering requirements are imposed on gamblers, making the bonus more difficult to obtain. The main issues that Hungarians should keep an eye on are wagering requirements, expiration period, and game restrictions (if any).

Cashback bonuses

Cashback bonuses pay back a percentage of your net losses over a set period of time. That percentage varies depending on the casino policy but is usually between 5% and 25%. It is good to read the bonus rules in advance, because some platforms automatically add the cashback to your balance, while others require explicit activation (with or without a special code) on your part.

Loyalty schemes

Loyalty systems are implemented on iGaming platforms to reward players with comp points for wagering real money on the respective website. These points can be converted into bonus funds, more advantageous payouts, entry into exclusive tournaments, and so on. The higher the level reached, the more lucrative the resultant benefits.

Online Casinos

The number of online casinos holding a Hungarian license is fairly limited and the reason for this is very simple. Only brick-and-mortar casinos are eligible to apply for online casino licenses. Not that offshore brands are expressly prohibited from applying for the latter, but the procedure is extremely cumbersome and slow. Another option is for a local casino to form a joint venture with a foreign operator and act as its branch in the country. According to the Gambling Act though, the number of land-based establishments is fixed at 11 which means that Hungarian casino players cannot expect much variety.

However, the situation is not as bad as it appears. Our research revealed that the number of international online gambling platforms that accept users from Hungary is not small at all. In practice, this results in local players having access to an unlimited abundance of online games and tempting casino bonuses. The only minor drawbacks are that such websites are rarely available in Hungarian and do not always support transactions in the local currency.

New Online Gambling Regulation

After a long period of passivity, the Hungarian Parliament adopted an amendment bill to the Hungarian gambling act in 2022, reforming the regulatory oversight of remote gambling. One of the goals of the amended Act is to emphasize the importance of preventing unlicensed remote gambling operators from operating in Hungary. The competent authorities now have the power to order that data relating to illegal gambling operations published via an electronic telecommunications network be rendered temporarily inaccessible.

Changes were made after the CJEU ruled that Hungary’s legislation illicitly excluded operators licensed in the EU/EEA from the country’s licensing process. A multi-licensing model is introduced by the amended Gambling Act. After obtaining a license from the Supervisory Authority of Regulatory Affairs, EEA companies will be able to provide online sports betting services to users in Hungary (SARA). Remote gambling is only permitted through a branch that is based and registered in the country.

Regrettably, the operation of online casino games will continue to be restricted to holders of national land-based casino authorizations. The regime remains unchanged in this industry sector, despite the fact that, according to the CJEU, it contradicts EU law because it restricts the freedom to provide services within the Union.

The Draft Laws are expected to go into effect on January 1, 2023.

It is still unclear what effect the new laws will have on gambling taxation, but there is currently no tax on gambling winnings. Lottery is the only exception with a 16%-24% tax deducted from total winnings. At least until the new regulations come into force, the taxation for casino operators is as follows:

• Annual net gambling revenue below HUF 10 billion – 30%
• Annual net gambling revenue above HUF 10 billion – HUF 3 billion + 10% of the revenue above 10 billion