Norway Introduces New Law Placing Tighter Restrictions on International Gambling Companies

The new law was proposed by the Ministry of Culture and Gender Equality with Minister Abid Raja stating that the new bill will merge the country’s outdated and fractured gambling regulatory framework. According to Minister Raja the new legislation aims to replace Norway’s three existing laws and and regulate all gambling activity within the country.

“I am pleased to finally be able to present the new gambling law, which is a milestone in the government’s work to prevent gambling problems and ensure responsible gambling.

We are tired of foreign gambling companies that do not respect Norwegian law, and that do not operate with proper accountability measures. Therefore, the new law provides the Norwegian Lotteries Authority with new tools for detecting, reacting to and sanctioning violations of the law. This includes, among other things, authority to impose infringement fines.”

He went on to add:

Foreign gambling companies and their payment intermediaries are withdrawing from the Norwegian market, their turnover is declining and advertising is no longer as easy to reach. This is a direct result of a targeted and successful policy in the area.”

Maarten Haijer, EGBA Secretary General, has previously spoken of the need for gambling reform in Norway stating that up to 66% of the country’s online gambling activity takes place on international unlicensed websites, costing the country around NOK 2B each year.

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Thomas Nielsen

Gambling industry journalist with a background in online poker and trading. Covering the regulated U.S Sports industry and the exciting world of online poker.