Online Poker in Hungary

History of Poker Development in Hungary

Gambling in Hungary has been subject to formal regulation since 1991, making it one of the first European countries to legalize the gaming industry. The overseeing authority is a division within Hungary’s Customs and Tax Administration. After Hungary joined the EU in 2004, national legislation had to be reconciled with broader European rules, and in 2006 a law was passed requiring all gambling operators to hold a Hungarian licence. Today, the only legally operating company is the state monopoly, Szerencsejáték Zrt., which runs the vegas.hu and grandcasino.hu brands. High taxes and steep licensing costs have kept other operators at bay.

Gaming Legislation in Hungary

Numerous offshore poker rooms have attempted to gain legal access to the Hungarian market, even pursuing court cases, but none have succeeded—no foreign‑licensed poker site operates officially in Hungary. Internet service providers block access to offshore poker and casino sites, and local bank card deposits often fail, so many players turn to cryptocurrency wallets instead. This ambiguous legal framework also complicates the treatment of poker winnings: players either pay a 16% income tax on their profits or risk operating outside the formal system.

Best Poker Sites in Hungary

Despite the availability of licensed rooms in Hungary, local players tend to favor offshore platforms. Below, we’ll review the most popular and convenient poker sites for players based in Hungary.

Jack Poker

Jack Poker is a small, up‑and‑coming crypto poker room that runs entirely in your browser. It’s ideal for 5‑card Omaha enthusiasts, as that variant is particularly popular here. New players receive a 300% welcome bonus—equivalent to an extra 25% rakeback—on their first deposit. Instead of a standard rakeback scheme, Jack Poker rewards you with tournament tickets. Game formats include cash tables, multi‑table tournaments, Spins, and “Luck or Muck” (where you can only fold or go all‑in). MTT buy‑ins range from $1 up to $200.

Jack Poker

good traffic Crypto Friendly

Network:

Rakeback: up to 25%

Review

Pros

• Good Trafic
• Good Welcome Bonus
• Crypto-friendly

Cons

• No Trackers Support

GGPoker

As the world’s largest poker room, GGPoker fully supports Hungarian players. The platform boasts massive traffic, a wide variety of game types, generous bonuses, advanced software, and the biggest online series. You can play No‑Limit Hold’em, 4‑ and 5‑card Omaha, Short Deck, All‑in-or-Fold, Spins, and more at stakes ranging from micro to high rollers. GGPoker also partners with premier tournament brands, including the WSOP.

GGPoker

Good Rakeback Fish Players

Flagship room at GG Network. Good traffic and very weak fields

Network: GG Network

Rakeback: over 50%

Review

Pros

• Recreational players from Asian countries
• Very weak fields at all the stakes
• Push or Fold tables
• Direct cashier

Cons

• Poker software is prohibited
• No heads-up tables

PokerKing

Through PokerKing, Hungarian players gain access to the American WPN network. With a predominantly U.S. player base, peak action occurs during late‑night and early‑morning hours CET. There’s plenty of action at 6‑max and 9‑max tables in both Hold’em and Omaha, and Fast Poker tables run up to NL200. A welcome bonus of up to $2,000 on your first deposit makes PokerKing very attractive, and weekly rake races offer a further boost to your rakeback.

PokerKing

Good Rakeback MTT Traffic US Players

70% rakeback if you sing up now! A lot of recreational players from US and Canada, good PLO and MTT-traffic.

Network: WPN

Rakeback: Up to 70%

Review

Pros

• Many recreational players from US
• Good rakeback
• Good PLO and MTT-traffic

Cons

• Second and succeeding cashouts in the month have additional fee of 5%

Living Conditions & Residency Rules in Hungary

• Low Cost of Living: Average monthly expenses per person (excluding rent) are around €600–€700, which is lower than in most other EU countries.

• Major Cities: The most popular places to live are Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged—all offering robust infrastructure and rich cultural and historical attractions.

• Climate: Hungary has a temperate‑continental climate, with an average annual temperature of about +10 °C; summers are warm and winters are cool.

• Language Barrier: Hungarian is the only official language, and only a small percentage of the population speaks English; mastering Hungarian typically requires a significant time investment.

• Long‑Term Stay: Any stay longer than 90 days requires a residence permit.

• Pathways to a Residence Permit:

  • Investment: Purchasing real estate worth at least €500,000; permit valid for up to 10 years and renewable.

  • Business Activity: Establishing or operating a business (proof of funds, insurance, and registration required); permit valid for 3 years.

  • Education: Enrollment in Hungarian universities or colleges.

  • Family Reunification: Marriage to or immediate family member of an EU resident.

  • Digital Nomad Program: Earning at least €3,000 per month and holding savings of €10,000 or more.

Conclusion

Although Hungary offers a limited selection of online poker rooms, players can still access several popular sites. Live poker is also attractive here thanks to affordable buy‑ins and a high proportion of recreational players. Additionally, the cost of living in Hungary is significantly lower than in many other European countries, making it an even more appealing destination for poker enthusiasts.