- Norway’s online casino market faces increased scrutiny
- Lotteritilsynet is overseeing banks to enforce a ban on transactions with illegal online casinos in Norway
- EGBA urges Norway to adopt a licensing model for online gambling, citing the need for more choice and improved player protection
The Norwegian gambling authority, Lotteritilsynet, has stepped up enforcement to better regulate the online casino market — including rapidly expanding crypto gambling — and to reduce illegal gambling activity. These measures are intended to strengthen consumer protections and ensure compliance with Norwegian law.
As part of its drive to clamp down on unauthorized operators, Lotteritilsynet is closely monitoring nine banks in Norway and has instructed financial institutions to block transactions linked to illegal gambling sites.
Online casino payment restrictions
Prohibiting payments to and from unlicensed gambling operators is a central regulatory tool aimed at curbing illegal gambling in Norway. By limiting the financial avenues available to foreign-based operators, authorities aim to make it harder for residents to access unregulated services.
Population surveys indicate these restrictions have made engaging with offshore gambling services more difficult for many consumers, and have contributed to a growth in the use of cryptocurrencies for gambling-related payments. The restrictions reflect Norway’s broader policy goal of promoting responsible gambling and protecting citizens from the harms associated with excessive play.
Bank surveillance
Under Section 5 of Norway’s gambling act, transactions involving unlicensed gambling operators are prohibited. Lotteritilsynet has authority to require banks to reject payments to and from specific accounts and companies identified as connected to unlicensed gambling. The regulator has identified nine banks for heightened scrutiny as part of this effort.
Although the identities of the targeted banks have not been publicly disclosed, the action is part of ongoing enforcement to uphold the payment ban and reduce problem gambling. Lotteritilsynet has requested detailed information from these banks about the measures they have in place to prevent transactions tied to unlicensed operators, as well as documentation of internal compliance procedures.
Banks given notice have three weeks to supply the requested records and explanations. The regulator expects clear evidence that banks are effectively implementing controls to block prohibited gambling transactions and to comply with its directives.
EGBA urges Norway to consider a licensing model
Despite strict state control of gambling — including a monopoly on most online gambling — calls for reform are growing. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has encouraged Norway to move from its monopoly model to a licensing system for online gambling.
EGBA argues that a licensing model would better meet consumer demand for a wider range of online casino options. Currently, Norway’s online market is limited: Norsk Tipping provides sports betting and online casino services, while Norsk Rikstoto manages horse racing betting. EGBA notes that neighboring countries such as Sweden and Finland have adopted licensing regimes that expanded consumer choice and brought many operators under domestic regulation.
The association also highlights that a licensing framework could improve player safety through clear regulatory standards, enable more effective oversight of operators, and generate additional tax revenue. EGBA points out that licensed markets can include regulated offerings such as crypto-friendly services while ensuring customer protection measures are enforced.
As Lotteritilsynet intensifies oversight of payment flows tied to online gambling, public and industry debate about the future regulatory approach in Norway continues. Whether Norway will consider reforms toward a licensing model, as EGBA recommends, remains an evolving discussion in the country’s online gambling landscape.