István Garancsi is a Hungarian billionaire businessman and a close friend of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He first gained prominence in 2007 when he purchased the Hungarian football club Videoton FC (now MOL Fehérvár FC). Over the following decade, he built a diversified business empire spanning construction, mobile data systems, outdoor advertising, real estate, and casino operations.
His construction company, Market Építő Zrt., won numerous public tenders, including the construction of the Danube Arena for the 2017 World Aquatics Championships and various football stadiums. Garancsi entered the casino business in 2016 when his company Futball Invest 2007 Kft. acquired a minority stake in Sopron Casino. In 2025, he increased his holding to a majority interest, making him the owner of seven Hungarian casinos. He is frequently ranked among Hungary’s wealthiest individuals and most influential business figures.
Career History
| Company | Role | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Sopron Casino | Owner (minority stake) | 2016-01-01 – 2025-01-01 |
| Sopron Casino | Majority Owner | – present |