Controversy erupts in Budapest gambling venue
There's a legal battle brewing for the "Las Vegas Casino" in Budapest over alleged disregard for COVID-19 regulations. The Hungarian opposition is considering a lawsuit against the casino located in the Corvin district of the city. The reason for this possible confrontation is a recent video shared on YouTube that exposes various COVID-19 violations by patrons and staff. Although land-based casinos and gaming halls are permitted to operate during Hungary's lockdown, certain hygiene and safety measures must be followed.
Casinos in a Coronavirus Lockdown: To play or not to play?
Hungary, like many other countries, is still in a Coronavirus lockdown, scheduled to end no earlier than March 15th. A potential extension is not being ruled out. Unlike some European countries, not the entire nation is subject to these restrictive measures. The gambling industry, however, has received a special exemption by the government, allowing land-based casinos and gaming halls to remain operational. For the safety of players and staff, masks and a time lockout after 7 pm are required.
These regulations also apply to the Budapest "Las Vegas Casino," which is now under fire following the release of a video that demonstrates dozens of people crowded around the gaming tables without the required social distancing. Many visitors can be seen without facial coverings, while staff seem uninterested in enforcing this requirement.
The video has grabbed the media's attention, with Hungarian news outlet "Telex" reporting that over 120 people were present in the casino's 150 square-meter gaming area during the recording. András Fekete-Györ, head of the Hungarian opposition party "Momentum," finds this behavior irresponsible in the midst of the pandemic and is now contemplating legal action against the casino. The "LMP" party was also dismayed by the images.
COVID-19 in Hungary: The second major wave of the pandemic has caught Hungary off guard. The number of new infections surged around the start of the year, only to normalize in January 2021. However, recent developments suggest this normalization was short-lived, as infection numbers have spiked again since February. There were over 10,000 new cases in Budapest between February 18th and March 3rd.
The gambling industry in Hungary remains the only sector unscathed by the pandemic. This situation has been roundly criticized by the public for some time. Both the population, media, and opposition politicians have expressed outrage at the government's handling of the situation. "Telex" reports that the current special status awarded to the Hungarian gambling industry is no coincidence. Suspicion of cronyism prevails, as the government and casino operators have close ties. This is the only reason why the Hungarian gambling industry is allowed to continue business during the lockdown.
On a similar note, András Fekete-Győr, a member of the Hungarian opposition, told "Telex" that the government and casino operators are putting money and power above public health. The Fidesz party seeks to make its business allies even richer through the special status of the Hungarian gambling industry. Public health concerns are a distant second in their priorities.
Political ties and casino prizes
Budapest is home to five "Las Vegas Casinos," originally operated by Hungarian film director Andrew G. Vajna. Following Vajna's death, the individual establishments were transferred to billionaire István Garancsi and Krisztóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, the husband of Fidesz government spokeswoman Alexandra Szalay-Bobrovniczky, according to "Telex."
Shrugging off public outcry
The public outrage over the casino's special status has been repeatedly dismissed by authorities, who claim that no epidemiological issues will arise as long as the casinos adhere to the prescribed COVID-19 measures. This argument leaves the opposition and general public with limited options, and it remains to be seen whether the published video clip will change this dynamic.
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