The Norwegian government-owned gambling company, Norsk Tipping, announced it has started the process of appointing a new chief executive officer (CEO). The company confirmed Monday that starting from September 1, 2023, Tonje Sagstuen will take over the role of acting CEO, until a permanent appointment is announced.

Sagstuen is a famous handball player from Norway, as well as an Olympic medalist. Most notably, she received silver medals during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Throughout her extensive sports career, Sagstuen has participated in more than 210 games for the country’s national team.

Since 2014, Sagstuen has been a part of Norsk Tipping. She currently holds a director role with a focus on social responsibility, society and other community initiatives. This new appointment comes on the heels of the announced departure of the company’s outgoing CEO, Lars Buer Eriksen. Judging by the latest announcement, he will leave Norsk Tipping, effective from August 31, 2023.

Although Eriksen held the role of CEO for less than a year, he played an important role in the development of different social initiatives, as well as gambling policies. He joined Norsk Tipping back in September last year, after its CEO at the time, Åsne Havenelid, decided to step down due to personal reasons.

Upon announcing his departure, Eriksen said: “In one year, I have become very happy with Norsk Tipping’s social mission and our employees. Overseeing a strong and future-oriented Norwegian railways is exciting and something I have chosen to accept.”

The Government-Owned Gambling Operator Seeks New CEO

Sylvia Brustad, Norsk’s chairman, explained that Norsk has already started the process for the replacement of Eriksen. She explained that an extensive search will take place to ensure that the company finds the best manager that can help it continue growing. Finally, Brustad thanked Sagstuen for agreeing to take the role of acting CEO until a permanent management director is appointed.

“I am happy that Tonje has agreed to lead the company until a new managing director can take over.“

Sylvia Brustad, chairman of Norsk Tipping AS

Earlier this year, the government-owned gambling operator revealed that it implemented a new safer gambling policy. Back in June, Norsk said that it overhauled the loss limits for young adults, aged 20 and less. Thanks to this policy, a cap for the maximum loss limit for those age groups was set at NOK 2,000 ($181).

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Despite only serving as CEO for less than a year, Eriksen was instrumental in advancing many of the operator’s safe gambling policies and social initiatives. He will remain with the company for a few more months to assist in the search for his successor and ensure a smooth transition. The leadership change should not disrupt Norsk Tipping as the company continues to serve as an example to operators worldwide.

The CEO leaves behind a legacy of success

Eriksen took up the leadership position at Norsk Tipping in September 2022 after previous CEO Åsne Havenelid stepped down due to personal reasons. Despite his short tenure, Eriksen contributed significantly to the operator’s safe gambling initiatives, advancing several milestone campaigns and focusing on charity efforts. His people-oriented mindset earned him the respect of his colleagues, who wished him luck in his future endeavors.

According to official data, the reason behind Eriksen’s premature departure is his new position as CEO of Bane Nor, the national agency managing Norway’s railways. The government likely noticed Eriksen’s success, deciding to direct his talents where they would make the most significant impact. The CEO was sad to leave his position but expressed content in his progress, thanking the Norsk Tipping team.

In one year, I have become very happy with Norsk Tipping’s social mission and our employees. Overseeing a strong and future-oriented Norwegian railways is exciting and something I have chosen to accept.

Lars Buer Eriksen, Norsk Tipping CEO

Eriksen will remain at the helm of Norsk Tipping until 1 October, assisting the operator with securing a worthy successor and ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibilities aligned with the company’s values. The recruitment process will likely involve careful consideration of candidates with a strong understanding of the gambling industry and a commitment to responsible gambling practices and innovative strategies. 

Norsk Tipping retains its focus on safe gambling

Norsk Tipping’s future CEO will have the challenging mission of leading the country’s sole regulated operator, keeping up with the company’s community-focused efforts. From January to April, the operator donated $24 million to good causes, allowing gamblers to choose their supported organization. Such funding is part of its Grassroots Share (Grasrotandelen) program allocating 7% of gamblers’ bets to charity.

The monopoly also invests significantly in safe gambling initiatives, mitigating the harmful social impact associated with the industry. Under Eriksen’s management, Norsk Tipping introduced new loss limits for younger players under 20, focusing on customers facing higher risks of gambling-related harm. The company also ceased its TV sports betting advertisements after the country’s broadcasters vowed to stop promoting unlicensed operators.

While Lars Buer Eriksen’s departure as head of Norsk Tipping marks a significant transition for the state-owned gambling operator, searching for a new CEO presents an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and strategies. The company’s new leader will face the challenge of maintaining Norsk Tipping’s responsible gambling efforts while adapting to emerging market trends.

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Last month, the government-owned gambling operator located in Norway announced that it had raised close to $24 million for good causes from January to April thanks to its Grassroots Share (Grasrotandelen) program. The latter directs 7% of all bets made by gamblers toward charity organizations picked by players themselves. In September 2022, the operator announced it will no longer advertise its sports betting services on television. 

Now, Norsk Tipping has announced a new policy upgrade that proves its commitment to responsible gaming and safe gambling policies. The operator has upgraded its loss limits aimed at players aged 20 and under to a maximum of NOK 2,000 ($181).

Players Under 20s, Deemed “More Vulnerable” Than Older Players  

Mentioning statistics originating from the University of Bergen and the Helpline for gambling addicts, the company’s director of responsibility and communication, Tonje Sagstuen, spoke about the higher incidence of gambling issues among younger customers compared to other age groups. 

By association, the same players are also prone to make bad choices when gambling. The company also explained that, at the moment, it counted approximately 30,000 active players who are under the age of 20. Of them, roughly 2,000 lost over NOK 2,000 ($181) during a month on at least one occasion over the course of the past 12 months.

Up until now, Norsk Tipping had a loss limit of NOK 20,000 ($1,819) per month for players of all ages. Now, according to the fresh decision, starting June 1 onwards, the smaller limit loss for players under 20 will come into effect.

While the operator which is backed by the Norwegian state preserves its 18 and above age limit for players, the fact that younger customers are subject to higher risks of harm related to gambling has convinced Norsk Tipping to make the important changes.

Following Suit

The operator’s choice for stricter gambling loss limits comes as a result of similar measures embraced by other large betting brands in Europe as a way of improving their player protection frameworks.

One example is the new €1,000 ($1,076) monthly deposit limit regulation introduced by Germany in 2021. Belgium opted for an even more restrictive limit of €200 ($215) per month for deposits in 2022. 

The imminent United Kingdom’s Gambling Act review White Paper also mentioned a monthly loss limit proposal of £125 ($156) along with a yearly £500 ($626) limit within a year prior to players being subject to specific affordability checks.

Also, according to the same proposal, the higher the spending levels, the larger the number of checkups are going to be, with suggested thresholds of £1,000 ($1,252) within a 24-hour timeframe and double the amount within three months’ time. 

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