Gambling Legislation in Norway
To the north of Europe, Norway exists, a top market for decades for the largest offshore gambling operators such as Kindred, Betsson, and Betsafe. Though Norway in all aspects is as much like its surrounding markets, Sweden and Denmark, as one can imagine, it differs regarding how gambling regulation is conducted. In this article, the laws that regulate gambling in Norway and how these laws influence the best betting companies in Norway are discussed.
This was dated 9th September, and to our knowledge at the time from information that was then available. The law does alter, and it is always best to attempt to obtain the latest information available on gambling law from local experts.
Does Norway Have Its Own Gambling License
Others will indicate that Norway is licensed to gamble but that, in fact, it's a monopoly rather. Norsk Tipping alone is permitted to offer online casino games in Norway and they also have a sportsbook. There is no application process for others to be issued a license so that they can attempt to compete with Norsk Tipping.
Who Regulates Gambling Law in Norway
In Norway, the regulation and enforcement of gambling laws are done by the Norwegian Gaming Authority (Lotteritilsynet). They also oversee illegal advertising practices from unlicensed operators.
Overview of Norway's Gambling Law
The Norwegian gambling law is interested in regulating the gambling industry responsibly as well as the public against gambling addiction. Some of the facts of the law are:
- Monopoly: Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto have the monopoly to operate the gambling business within Norway. Norsk Topping operates lotteries, casinos, and betting on sports and horse racing operates by Norsk Rikstoto. Monopoly is allowed to gamble within a state-controlled setting and employs the money generated for something worthwhile for society.
- Ban on Foreign Betting Companies: Norwegian people cannot directly access foreign betting companies' services, and their advertisement is forbidden as well. Foreign websites are avoided by the Norwegians instead.
- Age Limits: The minimum age for gambling in Norway is 18 years. It is applied to any form of gambling, whether through Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto or lotteries and bingo.
- Responsible Gaming: Responsible gaming is encouraged by the legislation. Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto must offer responsible gaming facilities, namely, betting limits on losses, betting limits on a voluntary basis, and self-exclusion schemes.
- Monitoring and Implementation: The Norwegian Gaming Authority regulates the gambling sector in an attempt to achieve the legislation. It also implements gambling advertisement bans and co-operates with banks for the purpose of blocking payments towards foreign gambling operators.
The goals of the gambling legislations in Norway are to avoid negative social consequences of gambling, i.e., gambling addiction, and to ensure that the earnings of gambling should be for the benefit of the public.
Legal Precedents in Norway on Regulation of Gambling
Efforts have been made to challenge Norway's gambling system. Norway is an EEA member but not an EU member, and according to the EEA Agreement, Norway is obligated to the four freedoms: free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. Operators' view is that since they possess a license from an EU member state like Malta, they are entitled to offer gambling services in Norway based on Maltese law.
The Norwegian Gaming Authority's primary instrument for imposing fines on illegal operators is day-by-day fines. The policy has already been employed a few times, primarily against Kindred Group. Kindred sued the Norwegian government and lost before it eventually decided to leave the Norwegian market after negotiations with the Gaming Authority.
The Gaming Authority has issued "Warning of Daily Fines" to companies, streamers, and influencers, too. A good example being the case of streaming site Schpell.com, one that would have been nicely closed by the Gaming Authority had they wanted it to. Pending is the case status.
Where Is the Line Drawn in Norway?
The central question to Norwegian casino legislation is where exactly the edge of the border stands as regards to how much additional distance it takes them in as much as action is concerned. Though marketing for Norwegian casino promotions to Norwegian gamers is not exclusively prohibited to Norwegian casinos, active direct marketing for their own interest by Norwegian casinos is prohibited. This does not merely create an allusion to advertising per se but also to such subsequent signs:
- Filling the Norwegian market with the Norwegian language
- Filling the Norwegian market with Norwegian money.
- Filling the Norwegian market with a Norwegian title.
- Filling the Norwegian market with Norwegian influencers.
The Gaming Authority Buys More Instruments to Regulate More Harshly
No surprise that the Gaming Authority has not been able to keep foreign gambling operators out of the web shores of Norway. But they are also being armed with more weapons. The Gaming Authority was further fortified, and the law was made stricter with imprisonment as punishment for violating the law. This forced some casino affiliates to take down their Norwegian sites or exit the country.
The foreign operators' most burdensome tasks are yet to be enacted. Foreigners will be reimbursing for having placed orders for DNS blocking of foreign-run websites providing gambling services from the 1st of January. Blocked websites need to be in the full list and determined in advance.
Where Can I Get Expert Gambling Legislation Guidance in Norway?
There are several law firms in Norway that deal specifically in gambling regulation. Brækhus is the expert in the matter, among other firms such as DLA Piper and KPMG LAW, which are all competent when dealing with gambling law.