Hungarian Casinos Fight against Tax Raise

MSZSZ, the Hungarian Gambling Association, is displeased with the Parliament’s recent changes to gambling industry regulations. While casinos will benefit from some of the modifications, such as the extension of casino permits to two years, the tax rate has increased significantly. The MSZSZ plans to take the case to Hungary’s Constitution Court, because the new tax hike will almost double the tax rate from 2004.

MSZSZ sources say that the government is unlikely to collect the expected profits from the tax hike, because gambling establishments will not be able to remain viable under the new laws. Despite the easing of restrictions on types of games allowed in a given gambling hall, operators of casinos and gambling halls feel that the new laws are likely to put them out of business. MSZDZ Head Secretary Sándor Balatonfüredi said that since the new taxes will likely put the casinos out of business, appealing to the Constitution Court is really the only reasonable option.

Many gambling hall operators were also upset by the section in the new gambling law which prevents them from referring to electronic gambling halls as casinos in advertising or signs.

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