Hungary: Imposed Competition Authority Fine on Deutsche Lotto- und Sportwetten Ltd for Deceptive Advertising

On 20 March 2024, the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) imposed a fine of HUF 345 million on Deutsche Lotto- und Sportwetten Ltd, a Maltese-registered company. The company was found to have deliberately misled consumers by advertising games that closely resembled the services of the Hungarian State Lottery, creating the impression that the services were provided by the Hungarian State Lottery. Affected websites include 'Hatos Lottó', 'Skandináv lottó', 'Kenó', 'Hatoslottó Plusz', Skandináv lottó+', 'Keno24/7', 'EUROJACKPOT', 'EUROJACKPOT GO'. Additionally, the company failed to display the actual operator of the service, hindering the exercise of consumers' rights. As a result, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (SZTFH) blocked the relevant website in September 2023.