Hungarian Regulator Deploys AI to Combat Illegal Gambling Sites

Hungary's Regulatory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH) is exploring artificial intelligence applications to enhance its enforcement capabilities against illegal gambling operations, according to authority president Dr. László Nagy.

AI Competency Assessment CompletedSpeaking at a workshop conference on "Artificial Consumer Protection – Institutional and Legal Frameworks in the AI Era" hosted by the National University of Public Service, Dr. Nagy revealed that SZTFH has conducted a comprehensive assessment of staff digital and AI competencies.

The internal AI working group, established in June 2025, developed a questionnaire of nearly 70 questions examining digital skills and attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Results indicate that staff digital competencies are "remarkably stable," translating to approximately a strong four on a traditional grading scale.

Practical Applications for Gambling EnforcementDr. Nagy highlighted several practical applications where AI could significantly assist regulatory operations:

Illegal gambling detection: AI-powered identification of unlicensed online gambling sites and tobacco product trading platformsEnhanced blocking procedures: Building on the approximately 3,000 blocking procedures initiated in gambling supervision last yearData processing acceleration: Analyses that traditionally took up to two weeks can now be completed in hoursBroader Regulatory Technology IntegrationThe authority is also deploying AI in earth science research, including seismic monitoring data processing, erosion pattern identification, subsurface rock type determination, and satellite observation of mining objects.

According to Dr. Nagy, SZTFH now faces the challenge of consciously and efficiently integrating these technologies into daily operations, guided by survey results and international experience.