Norway Debates End of Gambling Monopoly

Norway is on the verge of becoming Europe’s last country with a gambling monopoly, as debates intensify over whether to introduce a licensing system for betting operators. While proponents argue that regulation could boost funding for sports and volunteering, critics fear it may lead to increased problem gambling and a loss of public funds.

Push for Licensing Gains Momentum

Tage Pettersen of the Conservative Party is leading the push to replace Norway’s gambling monopoly with a regulated licensing system, drawing inspiration from Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. He argues that such a model would offer better oversight of gambling companies, stricter measures for preventing gambling addiction, and a significant financial boost for sports clubs and voluntary organizations.

A report from Menon Economics estimates that shifting to a licensing system could generate an additional NOK 2–2.5 billion annually for sports and volunteering. Pettersen also highlights that Finland, which is phasing out its monopoly by 2027, expects to increase gambling funds by NOK 3 billion per year under a 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 explained.

His proposal has received backing from the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming (NBO). Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm, Secretary General of NBO, noted that in countries with licensing models, 90% of gambling turnover moves into the regulated market, allowing authorities to monitor and manage gambling behavior more effectively.

Opposition Fears Gambling Risks & Revenue Loss

Despite growing support for licensing, strong opposition remains. The Norwegian Sports Federation, Gambling Addiction Norway, and several other organizations warn that opening the market to private operators could worsen gambling addiction and reduce public funding for social initiatives.

On March 5, 74 organizations that receive funding from Norsk Tipping issued a joint statement under the banner “Together for a Responsible Gaming Policy.” The initiative underscores concerns that shifting away from the monopoly could increase problem gambling and weaken social funding mechanisms.

Else-Marthe Sørlie Lybekk, Secretary General of the Norwegian Sports Federation, stated:
“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, such as Blue Cross Secretary General Trine Stensen, emphasized the need to protect vulnerable players. She pointed out that many individuals receiving gambling addiction treatment have lost money through foreign operators, which do not adhere to Norway’s responsible gaming regulations.

Meanwhile, Gambling Addiction Norway has voiced skepticism over the success of licensing in other countries. Political advisor Magnus Pedersen argues that Sweden’s licensing model has not eliminated the black market, while Denmark faces an increase in gambling addiction among young people and aggressive marketing strategies 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 to follow Finland’s path and phase out its monopoly, the debate over gambling regulation remains highly polarized. Supporters see licensing as an opportunity to increase state revenue and better control problem gambling, while opponents fear it could introduce more risks and reduce essential funding for social causes.

With strong political and industry stakeholders on both sides, the future of Norway’s gambling model remains uncertain. The outcome will likely have long-term implications for both consumers and the nation’s broader gaming policy.

Source:

Ønsker å gi Norsk Tipping kamp om kundene, Moss Avis, March 9, 2025.