Norwegian Gambling Monopoly Under Fire

While Norway has chosen to stand aloof from the European Union the facts are that the policies and trends which have impacted most EU members, both positively and negatively, has proven to have the same impact on Norway and its residents.

One such area of resistance for Norway has been their dogged determination to cling to an exclusive state-owned gambling monopoly citing their both their ability to care for their own as well as a desire to seek only the best for their citizens.

However, a 2019 report by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) proved that, at the time, all but two of the EU’s member states had transitioned from this position to one of licensing private online gambling operators.

The above map shows that 26 member states had adopted a multi-license regime, with a single state retaining a monopoly and one other opting to have no gambling regulation at all, which effectively allowed foreign operators tax-free access to that region.

State Gambling Care Is Failing In Norway

Fast forward to 2020 and new research by internationally recognised Norwegian research university, the University of Bergen (UiB), proves that the government-owned Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto companies are failing to protect players from problem gambling.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary-General of the EGBA, commented on the study saying:

“These research findings are worrying and prove Norway’s gambling monopoly is not protecting its citizens. Gamblers tend to shop around for the best betting odds or bonuses and, if they are faced with restricted choices, they will simply look elsewhere to find them. Providing the consumer with choice leads to better channelling, better tax revenues for the state and better consumer protection”

The statistics Haijer is referring to are those that proved that the number of Norwegian players presenting problem gambling markers rose by 62% in the last four years, skyrocketing from 21,000 players to just over 55,000. In addition to those already in the throes of problem gambling, the UiB study highlighted further 122,000 players who are currently at risk of developing gambling addictions.

While Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto tout the success of their ability to the channel local players through the state-owned gambling sites the independent research by UiB has found that nearly 50% of all local gamblers frequent international gambling sites claiming a better game selection, better bonus offers and more attractive betting odds as their primary drawcards.

The EGBA claim that this irrational defence of their monopoly is robbing the country of a valuable income stream and putting their residents at risk as the country has no control over payments, spending habits and game fidelity.