Hungary entered October 1, 2026, with a major structural reform underway after Parliament approved the removal of concession-related powers from the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH) and moved to dismantle its Concessions Council, while Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government studies the regulator’s possible full abolition. The parliamentary vote took place on September 22, with 135 votes in favor, 46 against and six abstentions.
The reform stems from Bill T/639, submitted by the Government on September 8, 2026. One legal distinction is essential: the SZTFH itself clarified that it never had the power to directly award concessions; that authority belongs to the competent minister. Its role included prior consent, supervision and other functions linked to concession agreements.
Péter Magyar
The SZTFH regulates gambling, tobacco, mining, cybersecurity and other activities, employing more than 400 people. It is chaired by Dr. László Nagy, in office since May 4, 2024, while Dr. Péter Téglásy serves as General Vice President. The Concessions Council had six members and was chaired by Nagy.
Márta Görög
The Government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, began an assessment on August 31 to determine how the SZTFH’s responsibilities could be redistributed among other state bodies. Justice Minister Márta Görög was tasked with preparing the institutional review, while Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy announced a review of casino concessions. Both remain in office as of October 2026.
The focus includes contracts in Szeged, Győr, Miskolc, Pécs, Debrecen and Sopron, some extending for as long as 35 years. The Sopron concession, linked to CAI Hungary Kft and businessman István Garancsi, runs until 2061, according to published information. The reform does not automatically cancel existing licences and does not yet abolish the SZTFH. Authorities have also not announced which state body will ultimately assume responsibility for concession management once the institutional transfer is completed.
