Gambling Monopoly in Norway Could Make Way for Liberalised Market

Norway may break its long-standing gambling monopoly by 2028, following a proposal to introduce a licensed model similar to Sweden and Finland’s liberalisation efforts. (Image: Ian Dagnall / Alamy)

There has been a monopoly on gambling in Norway for some time. It means that the marketplace is really only open to state-run outlets. 

Gambling is currently only legally provided by state monopolies Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, which cover physical slots, lottery, online casinos, sports betting, and horseracing. 

Concerns Over Problem Gambling  

All that may be about to change if calls from Norway’s Conservative Party (Høyre) are heard and acted upon. The opposition to breaking the monopoly was largely based on the fear that it might result in problem gambling. 

Some have pointed out that this was not the case in neighboring Sweden and that that problem gambling did not increase when they regulated. 

Conservatives Optimistic Monopoly can be Broken 

The Conservatives have called for an end to the country’s gambling monopoly, and the gambling trade body NBO is optimistic that this move could see a liberalised market in Norway by 2028. 

At present, Veikkaus holds the monopoly over sports betting and online casino games. It is understood that following a successful reform, Veikkaus will still operate, running a monopoly for lottery and land-based gaming and competing in the online market. 

Finnish Neighbours Already Liberalising Gambling 

In the meantime, neighbouring Finland has already signalled its intent to make the changes, with commercial operators expecting to be able to apply for licences from early 2026 and suppliers for software provider licences from early 2027. 

Annual fees would be payable by operators and suppliers to an as yet unestablished regulatory body. 

The Draft Bill states: “Replace the current exclusive rights model with a licensed model to increase revenues for the state and [provide] greater opportunities to help those who are struggling with problem gambling.” 

“Arrangements and framework conditions [can be] investigated based on the experiences from Sweden, Denmark, and Finland” (page 48). 

EGBA Urged for a Switch in Direction 

In September 2023, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) urged lawmakers in Norway to switch from its current monopoly system to a licensing model for online gambling to help combat issues such as consumers gambling with unlicensed sites. 

Three-Year Timeline for Implementation 

• 18 August 2024 The government-run consultation process ends.
• Q1 2025 – Government proposal for draft bill to be submitted to. 
• Q1 2026 – Operator licence applications open. 
• Q4 2026 – End of monopoly provider Veikkaus.
• 2027 – Applications open for software licences to provide online games and licensed gambling activities may start. 
• 2028 Operators are allowed to offer games from locally licensed software providers only.