Hungary’s proposed ban on gaming machines could cost thousands of jobs, European gaming and amusement federation Euromat has warned.
Last week, the Hungarian parliament adopted legislation providing for a total ban of all gaming machines outside of casinos. This, Euromat said, has “completely blind-sided the industry.”
According to the organisation, data from member association MSZSZ reveals that up to 40,000 people currently employed either directly or indirectly by the Hungarian gaming and amusement industry could now lose their jobs.
This is a particular blow for those that have made significant investments in preparation for the launch of server-based gaming following the introduction of new laws earlier in the year.
"The Hungarian government has not only completely disregarded constitutional and EU laws, as well as the European Convention of Human Rights, but has clearly failed to understand the broader impact that its actions will have on society and the economy in Hungary and across Europe", said Annette Kok, Euromat president.
"There are clear precedents which will be used to ensure that this anti-competitive move by a member state will be challenged not only before the Hungarian Constitutional Court, but in particular also before the EU institutions, the European Court of Justice and the Court of Human Rights and Euromat is ready to provide full support to its Hungarian member, MSZSZ, to do so."
