The Norwegian administration has presented a novel gambling regulation, pledging stricter penalties against unauthorized operators and their associated marketers.
The proposed legislation will unify the nation’s existing Lottery Act, Gambling Act, and Total Lottery Act, while preserving the market supremacy of Norsk Tipping and Rikstoto through a “reinforced exclusive rights model.”
This will be accomplished, in part, by levying fines on any other operators endeavoring to provide gambling services within Norway.
The new gambling legislation was initially proposed in June 2020, with the government informing the European Commission of the proposal in August of the same year.
Culture and Gender Equality Minister Anette Trettebergstuen stated that the law would specifically target operators providing gambling services in Norway without proper authorization.
“I am delighted that we are finally able to present the new gambling law, which represents a crucial step in the government’s efforts to curb gambling issues and ensure responsible gambling practices.
“We are weary of foreign gambling enterprises that disregard Norwegian law and fail to implement appropriate accountability measures.”
As a result, the updated legislation grants the Norwegian Lottery Authority enhanced capabilities to pinpoint, rectify, and penalize infractions of the law.
The administration asserts that under the revised legislation, gambling promotion is forbidden prior to acquiring a permit in Norway. This prohibition encompasses not only operators but also entities that “suggest” customers, such as affiliate enterprises.
The government stated: “Breaches of the prohibition will be subject to penalties.”
Moreover, gambling promotion aimed at minors will constitute an offense, and the utilization of credit cards for gambling will be entirely prohibited to foster accountable gambling practices.
Any operator is obligated to implement accountability measures, and marketing to self-excluded gamblers will constitute a criminal act. Marketing also “cannot surpass what is essential to entice players to engage in legal gambling activities.”
Raja added: “The gambling environment in Norway is undergoing transformation. The government has been deliberately shaping gambling policy for an extended period, and now it is yielding results.
“Foreign gambling enterprises and their payment intermediaries are withdrawing from the Norwegian market, their revenue is diminishing, and advertising is no longer as readily accessible as previously.”
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