Norway's New Laws Simplify Gambling

With new games of chance released onto the market on a weekly basis, the Norwegian government noticed that not all games could easily be categorized within the bounds of Norway law. This gave rise to the need for statutes around gambling to be reconsidered, with the view of having all forms of gambling regulated by a singular body. 

According to the proposed bill: There is also a need for clarification when it comes to games in the grey zone for what is considered gambling. In an increasing number of computer games, there are gambling-like elements that it is unclear whether they fall within the scope of the gambling regulations or not.  

Examples of this are so-called loot boxes that can be bought or won in computer games, and where the contents are unknown until the box is opened. 

 The Story So Far 

From a historical perspective, the country seemed to create laws around gambling only once they saw no other option. For example, the Norwegian Penal Code of 1902 made an allowance for licensed operators to offer games of chance. This established the country's framework for the Norwegian government's monopoly on gambling. 

In 1927, the Totaliser Act set out the basis for the Norsk Rikstoto monopoly on horse race betting which was then regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture. 

The Gaming Act came into effect in 1992 and established the second state-backed monopoly. Norsk Tipping was given the sole right to operate the Lottery and to oversee football betting in Norway. This was run by the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs. 

The Lottery Act of 1995 was birthed from the Gaming Act and allowed for the expansion of the term, "lotto'' so that similar games could be run to raise funds for socially orientated organizations that benefit society. 

 Slot Saga 

The first time a grey area in the laws became evident was in 2007 when the government was uncertain about whether a slot machine was considered a lottery machine or not. As an answer to the problem, they banned slot machines entirely. 

Two years later, however, with the introduction of interactive video terminals (IVTs), Norsk Tipping was allowed to make them available, as long as all activity was strictly monitored. 

 Proactive Progression 

Given the Norwegian government's reactive measures thus far, a move to combine gambling laws for the sake of better regulation and control is positive.  

With new games of chance launching on the market on a weekly basis, a single regulatory body would be more efficient and responsive to making decisions around whether a game should be legalized in Norway or not. 

 Get Involved 

Members of the public are invited to submit a consultation response through the Norwegian Ministry of Culture website by 29 September 2020.