Norwegian gaming regulator Lottstift has issued a warning to national media outlets saying it will not permit them to continue publishing betting odds or promoting online betting brands. Lottstift said it’s become common to see unlicensed bookmaker odds and market information posted in newspaper articles—a violation of the law.
“Getting Norwegian newspapers to write about their gaming offers is one of the methods illegal gambling companies use to gain publicity and create a brand,” said Lottstift Regulatory Director Henrik Nordal. “We will not intervene in editorial decisions, but we will urge Norwegian editors to be aware of this, and critical when they write cases that deal with illegal gambling companies.”
Lottstift Director-General Gunn Merete Paulsen has said the body will help redraft Norway’s advertising codes, moving to end the promotion of betting advertising by both national and international media owners. Meanwhile, Lottstift has issued warnings to TV3, ViaSat, MAX, VOX and Eurosport, warning the international operators to cease broadcasting “cross border” betting ads.
“When the media writes these cases, they help to legitimize illegal gambling companies their illegal activity aimed at Norwegians,” Lottstift stated. “The company is mentioned without the reader being informed that they are illegal players in Norway, and it is already true that 6 out of 10 Norwegians do not know or are unsure of who can offer money games in Norway and not.”
