Norsk Tipping Allocates NOK6.29 Billion for Good Causes in 2021

In 2021, Norsk Tipping contributed NOK6.29 billion to various good causes, marking a 1.9% increase from the previous year. Out of this total, NOK5.50 billion was allocated using Norway's fixed distribution formula known as Tippenøkkelen, which also saw a 1.9% rise. The distribution included NOK3.29 billion for sports, along with NOK926.1 million each for cultural initiatives and charities. Additionally, NOK351.8 million was directed towards health funding. Beyond Tippenøkkelen, Norsk Tipping allocated NOK737 million for grassroots projects and NOK36 million from bingo profits for charitable purposes, as mandated for all Norwegian bingo operators. The operator also set aside NOK17 million for an action plan targeting gambling addiction, which was further supplemented by an additional NOK8 million from the Ministry of Culture and Gender Equality. Anette Trettebergstuen, the Minister of Culture and Gender Equality, emphasized the serious impact of gambling addiction on many Norwegian families, stating, "Tens of thousands of Norwegians are destroying their own finances and inflicting great problems on themselves and their families as a result of a difficult relationship with gambling." She acknowledged the need for increased measures against gambling issues in light of a study estimating the annual cost of gambling harm in Norway at NOK5.14 billion. Trettebergstuen noted, "These are worrying figures, which I take very seriously." She highlighted the importance of Norway's regulated gambling model, which ensures that profits contribute to sports, culture, and volunteering instead of private entities. The NOK25 million allocated for combating gambling problems will support voluntary organizations offering assistance, preventive services, and information dissemination. Additionally, Norway's new Gambling Act, effective from 2023, will mandate Norsk Tipping to allocate at least 0.5% of its profits towards preventing gambling harm. Trettebergstuen expressed concern about the delay in implementing these measures, stating, "This is too long to wait for those who struggle with gambling problems. These are individuals who experience being in a crisis and who have families and relatives who are also affected by this." She reassured that efforts would see an increase in funding from 2023, adding NOK8 million to the existing NOK17 million already earmarked from Norsk Tipping's profits.