The Norwegian government has added another ten years to Norsk Rikstoto’s monopoly to take bets on horse racing. That extends the monopoly to 2032.
The Scandinavian country remains one of the few members of the EU to still have a state gaming monopoly. The other state monopoly is Norsk Tipping, which offers online casino gaming.
Monopolies remain necessary, said the government, because of the problems caused by “high prizes, high turnover or a high risk of creating gambling problems.”
Minister for Culture and Equality Anette Trettebergstuen added, “Norsk Rikstoto shows that they take the role of exclusive rights provider seriously, and that is good,” she said. She noted that the top priority is fighting addiction, but that it is also important to raise funds to support sports and charity. Norsk Rikstoto’s profits help support the horseracing industry.
Trettebergstuen added, “Many Norwegians struggle with gambling problems, and the most important thing about gambling policy is to prevent all the negative gambling that gambling can bring. The Norwegian parliament has implemented a number of measures to reduce the risk of gambling problems and gambling addiction.”
The monopoly system is opposed by foreign operators, such as Unibet operator Kindred, which continues to take passive wagers from residents of Norway and is being fined for it. Kindred is appealing the fines.
