Norway Introduces New Law Placing Tighter Restrictions on International Gambling Companies

Norway’s government has introduced a new gambling law that will place tighter restrictions on international online casinos, betting and gambling operators that offer unlicensed services in Norway.

Currently, the Norwegian betting industry is regulated according to three laws — the 1995 Lottery Act, the 1992 Gambling Act, and the 1927 Totalisator Act. The new legislation will combine the most relevant sections of each act into one regulatory framework.

Minister Raja had first proposed a complete overhaul of Norway’s gambling legislation in June 2020. At the time he had spoken of the need to establish a singular framework that would oversee the industry and help limit the number of unlicensed operators who target Norwegian customers.

“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.

Norway Introduces New Law Placing Tighter Restrictions on International Gambling Companies

“Things are happening in the gambling field in Norway. The government has worked consciously for many years with gambling policy and this is yielding results.

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.”

The new laws will allow the government to protect the state-owned monopolies of Norsk Riksoto and Norsk Tipping who run the country’s gambling industry.

Image credit: gcardinal / CC By 2.0

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.