Using Norway’s new gambling law, the Ministry of Culture is taking aim at unlicensed offshore gaming companies that target Norwegians.
If the law is passed, it would lasso the country’s three sets of gaming regulations under one set of laws and “regulate everything that is offered by gambling in Norway.”
In addition, it would strengthen the state lottery Norsk Tipping and racing bet operator Norsk Rikstoto, allowing them to operate exclusively and hold the line against unlicensed operators.
Minister of Culture and Gender Equality Abid Raja commented, “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.”
Raja said he is weary of foreign operators flouting Norway’s laws. “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.”
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has estimated that up to 66 percent of online gaming activity in Norway is conducted on international websites. This costs about NOK 2 billion ($235 million) annually.
Raja said the government has been working to fight the illegal industry, and the new measure will help. “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,” he said. “This is a direct result of a targeted and successful policy in the area.”
