Norsk Tipping, Norway’s state-run gaming operator, agrees with a proposed ban on television gambling advertising in the country after a sharp uptick in problem players.
According to CDC Gaming Reports, the operator will no longer advertise its casino games on TV or offer bonuses and free spins. It has also introduced a number of features to limit player losses including a maximum bet of NOK30 (US$3.45) per spin on online slot games, as well as a timing device that ensures at least three seconds between spins, with no options for fast-play or auto-play.
At-risk gamblers playing Norsk Tipping’s online games increased from 6,000 to 10,000 over the past 12 months, CDC reported. Bjørn Helge Hoffmann, the operator’s head of responsible gambling, says both gaming providers and regulators must act to reduce these figures, including introducing a ban on all TV ads.
“In the media, both foreign gaming companies and TV channels that broadcast these ads state that television advertising does not create gaming problems,” he said. “It’s possible they manage to fool themselves, but this is actually very simple. Less advertising for casino games will result in fewer gamblers playing these games, and this in turn will result in fewer gamblers.
“Therefore, the proposal for change in the Broadcasting Act to get rid of advertising and to enforce enforcement of the exclusive right model is correct.”
Norsk Tipping has also reported an increase in the share of its total profits that come from at-risk players—a total of 55 percent.
“This is serious,” Hoffmann said. “When we have seen such developments, how does this compare to companies without loss limits, which operate with minimum wagers of a thousand Krone and up, per spin?”
In 2018, Norwegian gaming regulator Lottstift defended state-owned gaming operators Norsk Tipping, Rikstoto and Pantelotteriet after information emerged that their TV ad budgets rose 31 percent for the year that ended on July 31. It claimed at the time that the investment was necessary to direct players to legal gaming.
In related news, Lottstift has ordered Trannel International, a subsidiary of the Kindred Group, to cease operations in Norway. The operator has appealed the decision, saying the decision has “no legal basis.” Lottstift has ruled Trannel International sites Unibet, Maria Casino, Grand Piano and Bingo.com have all offered illegal gaming in Norway.
In a statement to Gambling Insider, Kindred said the regulator’s decision “concludes activities operated in another EU country, where one is authorized to operate, is illegal.” It said the move “goes far beyond the jurisdiction” of Lottstift.
“Norway does not have the authority to intervene against activities lawfully operated in other countries,” the statement continued. “We therefore oppose the conclusions of the decision and will appeal this. It is not illegal for Norwegians to play games licensed from another country.”
