Norway is on the verge of changing into Europe’s final nation with a playing monopoly, as debates intensify over whether or not to introduce a licensing system for betting operators. While proponents argue that regulation might increase funding for sports activities and volunteering, critics concern it could result in elevated downside playing and a loss of public funds.
Push for Licensing Gains Momentum
Tage Pettersen of the Conservative Party is main the push to interchange Norway’s playing monopoly with a regulated licensing system, drawing inspiration from Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. He argues that such a mannequin would supply higher oversight of playing firms, stricter measures for stopping playing habit, and a big monetary increase for sports activities golf equipment and voluntary organizations.
A report from Menon Economics estimates that shifting to a licensing system might generate an extra NOK 2–2.5 billion yearly for sports activities and volunteering. Pettersen additionally highlights that Finland, which is phasing out its monopoly by 2027, expects to extend playing funds by NOK 3 billion per 12 months beneath a brand new licensing scheme.
“Around half of Norway’s online gamblers play with operators outside Norsk Tipping. These companies are completely unregulated, and we cannot impose any requirements on them. A licensing system would ensure that all operators are equally responsible for addressing problem gambling and that more revenue is directed toward sports,” Pettersen defined.
His proposal has acquired backing from the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming (NBO). Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm, Secretary General of NBO, famous that in international locations with licensing fashions, 90% of playing turnover strikes into the regulated market, permitting authorities to observe and handle playing conduct extra successfully.
Opposition Fears Gambling Risks & Revenue Loss
Despite rising assist for licensing, sturdy opposition stays. The Norwegian Sports Federation, Gambling Addiction Norway, and a number of other different organizations warn that opening the market to personal operators might worsen playing habit and scale back public funding for social initiatives.
On March 5, 74 organizations that obtain funding from Norsk Tipping issued a joint assertion beneath the banner “Together for a Responsible Gaming Policy.” The initiative underscores issues that shifting away from the monopoly might improve downside playing and weaken social funding mechanisms.
Else-Marthe Sørlie Lybekk, Secretary General of the Norwegian Sports Federation, said:
“A licensing model will result in more problematic gambling behavior and less money for socially beneficial purposes. We support responsibility and profits for the public good, which is why we stand by the current system.”
Other critics, comparable to Blue Cross Secretary General Trine Stensen, emphasised the want to guard weak gamers. She identified that many people receiving playing habit therapy have misplaced cash by means of overseas operators, which don’t adhere to Norway’s accountable gaming rules.
Meanwhile, Gambling Addiction Norway has voiced skepticism over the success of licensing in different international locations. Political advisor Magnus Pedersen argues that Sweden’s licensing mannequin has not eradicated the black market, whereas Denmark faces a rise in playing habit amongst younger folks and aggressive advertising methods by operators.
“We struggle to see how a licensing model would improve the situation in Norway. Giving more power to private companies that may not operate with the necessary restrictions is not the right solution,” Pedersen concluded.
The Debate Continues
As Norway considers whether or not to observe Finland’s path and part out its monopoly, the controversy over playing regulation stays extremely polarized. Supporters see licensing as a chance to extend state income and higher management downside playing, whereas opponents concern it might introduce extra dangers and scale back important funding for social causes.
With sturdy political and business stakeholders on each side, the longer term of Norway’s playing mannequin stays unsure. The end result will seemingly have long-term implications for each customers and the nation’s broader gaming coverage.
Source:
Ønsker å gi Norsk Tipping kamp om kundene, Moss Avis, March 9, 2025.
