Hungary Moves to Abolish Regulator Behind Controversial 35-Year Casino Deal
The Hungarian government plans to abolish the gambling regulator after it granted a 35-year casino concession without a public tender.Summary
The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, is moving to abolish the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH), the regulator overseeing gambling, tobacco, and concessions. This action follows the SZTFH's July decision to extend a casino concession in Sopron without a public tender, granting a new license running to 2061. A government resolution signed by Magyar on August 31 ordered a report by Justice Minister Márta Görög on how to terminate the authority and transfer its functions to government-controlled bodies. Magyar stated the authority "served private interests" and that its veto power over concession contracts will be removed via legislation. The SZTFH, in its defense, described itself as an autonomous body responsible for significant tax revenue and regulatory enforcement, and stated it will cooperate with the review. The move is part of a broader review of casino and tobacco concessions, with final decisions expected soon.
(Source：Bitcoin News)