Hungary’s state-owned gambling operator Szerencsejáték Zrt has deepened its involvement in domestic sport, becoming the principal sponsor of the country’s boxing and volleyball associations.

The agreements, which run through to July 2026, will see the operator play a central role in promoting the nation’s top competitions. 

As part of the deals, Szerencsejáték Zrt will serve as title sponsor of Hungary’s men’s and women’s top-tier volleyball leagues and lend its name to the 70th István Bocskai International Boxing Memorial Tournament.

The first showcase of the boxing partnership will be the MÖSZ100 Gala at Heroes’ Square on 16 August, celebrating the centenary of the Hungarian Boxing Association. The event will feature 100 bouts across three rings, headlined by former world champions István “Kokó” Kovács and Zsolt “Madár” Erdei.

Szerencsejáték Zrt’s Commercial Director, Krisztián Brenkus, described the agreements as “a milestone in the life of the national lottery company,” adding that both sports “have not only proven popular with Hungarian audiences but have also helped elevate Hungary’s reputation on the international sporting stage”.

A growing sports sponsorship portfolio

Volleyball becomes the sixth “highlighted team sport” under Szerencsejáték Zrt’s corporate sponsorship umbrella, reflecting a broader strategy to link its gambling brands, including TippmixPro.

Already partnering with more than 183 clubs and 14 national teams, the lottery operator is now among the country’s largest backers of sport, with involvement spanning football, handball, basketball, water polo and ice hockey.

Leadership changes and future outlook

Earlier this year, Hungary’s sports betting and lottery monopoly underwent a significant leadership shake-up. 

Andrea Mager announced her resignation as Chair and Chief Executive of Szerencsejáték Zrt, effective immediately. She was succeeded by Zoltán Guller, the former chairman of the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ), who is expected to guide the operator’s sporting and commercial strategy in the coming years.

Developments in Hungary’s gambling sector continue to draw attention, with the Orbán government yet to confirm whether a new tender for Szerencsejáték Zrt’s lottery concession – last contested in 2011 – will be launched.

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