In its 2021 annual report, the regulator revealed that Norsk Tipping, one of Norway's two gambling monopolies alongside Norsk Rikstoto, recorded its highest ever numbers for both customer count and turnover. The regulator attributed this growth to various factors, including increased free time during the COVID-19 pandemic due to restrictions on leisure activities.
Despite this surge, Norsk Tipping had earlier reduced its monthly loss limit for high-risk games from NOK10,000 (£869/€1,037/$1,117) to NOK7,500 in December 2020, and further to NOK5,000 by September 2021. While the regulator recognized the success of its channelisation efforts, it urged the operator to enhance its player protection measures.
"Lotteri-og Stiftelsestilsynet has in particular assessed casino gaming and [Norsk Tipping sportsbook brand] Oddsen against requirements for responsible gaming and we have asked the company to strengthen measures to reduce gaming activity and turnover among risky players," the report stated. To this end, the regulator proposed reducing game availability and the number of offerings at [casino brand] Kongkasino. Additionally, it recommended that Norsk Tipping consider implementing a loss limit for Oddsen.
Lotteri-og Stiftelsestilsynet also praised the effectiveness of its strategies to combat unlicensed gambling, highlighting actions taken to block transactions to offshore gambling sites following new payment restrictions that were enacted in 2020.
"The banks make frequent contact with customers who gamble, to inform them about the ban and that this is why they stop deposits to and winnings from illegal online games," the regulator reported. Many individuals suffering from gambling problems and significant debts often discover that they are wagering on unlicensed games. According to the banks, customers frequently cease playing or switch to licensed providers upon realizing that only Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto are authorized to offer casino and sports games online.
After the completion of the year, Lotteri-og Stiftelsestilsynet threatened daily fines of NOK1.2 million (£99,447/€118,649) against Kindred, which operates Unibet, for continuing to operate in Norway despite a legal appeal concerning unlicensed gambling. In response, Kindred stated it would persist with its business activities in the country.
