Hungarian Ministers to Liberalise Online Gaming Legislation

Hungary represents just the latest nation to make gaming headlines this week after announcing new plans to dissolve its existing state monopoly. The move arrives as governments throughout European seek to introduce legislation to crack down on consumer access to online betting services. Hungarian ministers have surprised members of the industry after launching a campaign to increase accessibility to gamers in the country.

The state monopoly, Szerncsejáték Zrt, currently dominates the market and allows players to enjoy a very limited number of betting shops and casino titles. Reformers are hoping to put an end to all that – allowing foreign online casinos to operate within the country. Such legislation will not only slacken Szerncsejáték Zrt's grip of the market but will also pave the way for greater customer choice – granting avid betters the chance to sample a selection of casino services. The law will also usher in a wealth of taxation opportunities for the government as well as welcome revenue streams to boost the economy. Such benefits make the reforms an appealing prospect for both consumers and ministers alike.

The government is reported to be pushing ahead with its plans and is currently recruiting casino operators from all over the world. Ministers will be accepting bids from established and well regarded firms until the middle of the month. An announcement of the highest and lowest bidders is scheduled to take place in June of this year. With so much at stake, it's clear that operators will be watching proceedings very closely indeed. Gambling enthusiasts, meanwhile, will no doubt be looking forward to a new and liberal era of online gaming.