The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) continues to pursue its legal case against the Norwegian Ministry of Culture in Oslo District Court. The EGBA and payment provider Entercash Ltd. have challenged the government’s move to block iGaming payments to offshore operators; they claim the powers-that-be want to maintain the monopoly enjoyed by incumbent Norsk Tipping.
The court ruled that the Norwegian gaming authority was warranted in its move to block online betting payments to Entercash. But Maarten Haijer, EGBA secretary general said the body “awaits with confidence the outcome of our main claim that payment blockings infringe upon the EU freedom to provide services.”
According to SBC News, EGBA says the clampdown on offshore transactions is an effort to safeguard the monopoly of state-owned operator Norsk Tipping.
Haijer continued: “Norway is one of only two European countries left which have a monopoly for online gambling. All other European countries have now introduced, or are in the process of introducing, a so-called multi-license regime which allows European companies who fulfill strict safety and quality criteria to obtain a license to provide online betting.
“These countries have found that a high level of online consumer protection is best achieved by providing consumer choice alongside high consumer protection standards. We believe payment blocking measures are being enforced by the Norwegian authorities to ensure the survival of the country’s gambling monopoly.”
He called for “a more fundamental rethink of Norway’s gambling regime” and added, “We continue to advocate for a highly-regulated and safe online betting regulation which follows the example of Sweden and other European countries.”
