An Introduction to Poker in Hungary

Poker enjoys widespread popularity across Hungary, the Central European nation of some 9.7 million people located between Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia and Austria. While tightly controlled in licensed gaming venues, the card game occupies more of a legal grey area online where international poker sites remain easily accessible. With the legal gambling age set at 18, a passionate community embraces poker through both regulated and unregulated channels.

Between devoted local players and Budapest’s growing reputation as a poker destination, the game appears poised for continued growth in the Hungarian market. 

Regulation of Live Poker

Hungarian law heavily restricts the provision of gambling services to protect state monopoly and tax revenues. Only five licensed gaming companies can legally operate poker card rooms and host tournaments under strict procedures monitoring play. Popular poker clubs remain concentrated in the capital Budapest, though a few additional licensed venues operate in cities like Szeged and Miskolc. Many serious players also travel to poker rooms in nearby Bratislava, Slovakia or Vienna, Austria to access expanded game offerings and higher-stakes play.

Despite tight regulation, major poker tournaments in Budapest often draw strong turnout. The annual Budapest Poker Open competitions award over $200,000 in prizes on average. Local poker pros have also built large personal followings through wins abroad, fueling interest in the game. Let’s not forget that Budapest is popular tourist attraction for Europeans, a number of whom will be interested in playing poker when they visit.

Online Poker Accessibility

Although legislation grants exclusive online gambling rights to the state lottery company Szerencsejáték Zrt., international poker sites remain easily accessible to players in Hungary. By operating entirely outside the country, online poker rooms have successfully disputed legal threats that their remote services violate the state monopoly. A 2017 court ruling against restrictions on Unibet reinforced the protection for Hungarians playing on foreign sites. This was a big win for operators and set the precedent moving forward.

With Internet blocking proving unsuccessful and limited financial incentives to restrict access, the uncertain legal status causes little practical hindrance to Hungarian poker enthusiasts. Leading online poker brands like GGPoker operate openly, paying taxes on foreign earnings without fear of prosecution.

Active discussion boards connect vibrant player communities despite sporadic government disputes with operators. The same is true for other internet gambling sites like Magyarcasinos able to operate freely and offer Hungarian citizens the opportunity to play their favourite casino games.

Accomplished Professional Players

Hungary has nurtured a growing crop of successful professional poker players over the past decade. Top performers like Laszlo “omaha4rollz” Bujtas and Andras “probirs” Nemeth have earned millions in online tournaments and cash games. Other Hungarian players including Peter Traply and Andras Koroknai hold World Series of Poker titles and final table appearances, earning international recognition in the process. Their results and influence continue raising the profile of Hungarian poker talent across Europe’s competitive scene. Check out Peter winning a WSOP bracelet below.

Final Thoughts

With rising poker interest and participation, regulatory evolution may support continued domestic growth. For now, Hungarian players enthusiastically embrace poker however available – whether in strictly governed card rooms or freely accessible Internet cardrooms. The future looks bright for Hungarian poker fans through both sanctioned and unofficial channels. As long as there are famous professionals carrying the flag, there will always be opportunity for Hungarian poker to experience growth and recognition. If you are Hungarian and understand English and interested in improving your game, why not sign up to my training videos below? It’s $59.99/year and you can access every video in the library.