Norway is quite strict about online gambling, especially for casino sites. The country operates a state-controlled monopoly system with Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto. Norsk Tipping is in charge of casinos and the lottery, and Norsk Rikstoto handles horse racing. Therefore, anyone interested in casino gambling with real money can only play games handled by Norsk Tipping.
The question is, how do the current regulations affect player experiences? That’s what we look to discuss in this post.
Overview of Norway Online Casino Regulations
Looking into the use of an online casino in Norway isn’t as straightforward as it is in other parts of the world. Norway’s monopoly system is backed by laws such as the Gaming Scheme Act of 2022 and the Gaming Scheme Regulation of 2022. These laws only permit gambling activities approved by the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority.
From our research, the government introduced these regulations to ensure responsible gambling and prevent addiction. They also offer a channel for the Norwegian government to raise revenue for the public good. These are nothing unusual, as gambling commissions in other countries have the same motive. The difference is that Norway specifically restricts private companies from running online casino sites.
As mentioned, Norsk Tipping operates all local casinos. At the same time, it is not illegal for Norwegians to access an online casino based outside of the country. It simply poses some restrictions, which we will discuss later.
What is the Effect on Player Experiences?
Online casino regulations in Norway are meant to keep players safe. However, players need more than safety for a positive experience.
Based on our findings, there’s mixed feedback regarding Norsk Tipping offerings. Players who value security over entertainment commend the platform. However, the vast majority of players want more game options and less strict limits. For this reason, many Norwegians use international online casinos. According to Lexology’s breakdown, this is a grey area and not precisely illegal.
While the country’s regulations restrict private companies from operating online casinos within Norway, it doesn’t explicitly ban residents from using offshore platforms. The Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority will only query an international operator specifically targeting Norwegian users. An example is a site that supports the Norwegian language or NOK currency.
If you’re in Norway and intend to use an offshore site, make sure it’s properly licensed to ensure you aren’t going to be scammed. Look for platforms regulated by renowned authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). This way, you still get protection, even if not from The Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority.
How Does Norway Handle Offshore Gambling?
The Norwegian government has mechanisms in place to restrict non-state-controlled gambling. An example is the payment-blocking regulation identified by Merchant Category Code 7995, which has been in place since 2010. Basically, banks are instructed to reject transactions from any international gambling site.
However, offshore casinos now use third-party payment providers to bypass the restrictions. In other words, players can deposit money from their Norwegian bank into a third-party payment system, and then transfer it from that system to the offshore online casino. This can also be done using cryptocurrency, which is becoming more widespread in gambling today.
The Gaming and Foundation Authority can instruct internet service providers to block access to specific offshore casino sites. Nevertheless, tech-savvy players simply turn to VPNs and proxies so they can get around those restrictions.
Are Norway’s Regulations the Best for Players?
There are serious debates about the effectiveness of Norway’s monopoly on online casino gaming. However, data shows that the regulations have not been very effective. For instance, a 2021 study found that 66% of online gambling in Norway takes place on international sites. This suggests that the tight rules are having the opposite effect — less control instead of more.
Furthermore, the same research deduced that responsible gambling in Norway isn’t better managed than in other European countries. It shows that the rate of problem gambling is more than four times higher in Norway than it is in Spain and the UK — neither of which operate a monopoly on online gambling.
Will Norway Online Casino Regulations Change?
As of the first quarter of 2025, Norway still sticks to its online casino monopoly with Norsk Tipping. However, some updates suggest the country is considering making a switch. This move is driven by The Conservative Party. MP Tage Pettersen, has argued that ending the monopoly will offer better experiences and protection for players.
Groups such as the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming have also proposed licensing offshore sites, which they argue will significantly increase state revenue. Ultimately, time will tell if the government will heed these calls for new online casino regulations.
