Norway continues to uphold its state gambling monopoly, one of the last remaining in Europe. Norsk Tipping is the sole entity authorized to provide online casino gaming, while Norsk Rikstoto holds exclusive rights to accept bets on horse racing. The government asserts that this monopoly is essential due to the high prizes, substantial turnover, and potential for gambling-related issues associated with the games provided by both Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto.
As a result, Norsk Rikstoto's monopoly will extend for at least another decade, with the government announcing that its license will remain valid until at least the end of 2032. Minister for Culture and Equality, Anette Trettebergstuen, expressed confidence in Norsk Tipping's understanding of its responsibilities as a monopoly operator, claiming that its objectives align with governmental priorities. "Norsk Rikstoto shows that they take the role of exclusive rights provider seriously, and that is good," she stated.
Trettebergstuen highlighted that the government's primary focus in gambling policy is on preventing addiction. While generating revenue to support sports and charitable causes is also important, she emphasized that many Norwegians face gambling problems, thus prioritizing the mitigation of the harms associated with gambling. “The most important thing about gambling policy is to prevent all the negative gambling that gambling can bring,” she remarked. "At the same time, we want to ensure that sports and volunteering can still benefit from the profits from gambling."
Despite the government's stance, Norway's gambling monopoly has met resistance from international operators, leading to ongoing disputes with the operator Kindred. In September, the regulator Lotteritilsynet issued a warning to Kindred, threatening to impose a fine of NOK1.198 million (£98,902/€113,930/$116,930) for each day the company failed to withdraw from the Norwegian market. However, in October, Lotteritilsynet indicated that these daily fines would stop after Kindred announced it would only passively engage with Norwegian players. Yet, just last month, the regulator reinstated the fines, claiming that Kindred's operations still targeted Norwegian residents, while Kindred continues to appeal against these penalties.
