Norsk Tipping Under Investigation Over Reports of Minors Gambling
Lotteritilsynet is reviewing a series of reports suggesting that minors may have gambled through accounts belonging to adult customers at Norsk Tipping. The operator now faces questions about its payment systems and account controls.
Bank Alert Triggers Regulatory Review
A Norwegian bank recently alerted Lotteritilsynet about a large sum of money transferred from a minor’s account to Norsk Tipping. The regulator believes that minors are not opening accounts themselves. Instead, adults may be sharing or lending their gambling accounts to individuals under 18.
Tore Bell, Director at Lotteritilsynet, said:
“It is too early to conclude what exactly has happened. We will examine the matter further and have requested more information from Norsk Tipping.”
Pattern of Misuse Raises Concern
Since January 1, 2024, Norsk Tipping has received 21 tips related to similar incidents. These cases suggest an ongoing issue with underage access. The regulator is now looking at whether Norsk Tipping took any action in response and why the company did not report the cases earlier.
Lotteritilsynet wants to know how much money was spent in each of the 21 cases and how long the activity lasted. The regulator is also asking if similar incidents occurred before 2024.
Focus on Payment Methods
The inquiry targets two specific payment options: Vipps and Apple Pay. Lotteritilsynet has asked Norsk Tipping when it introduced these methods and what risk assessments were done at the time.
Officials also want to know whether Norsk Tipping plans to review or restrict these options. The regulator questions if these payment tools meet the legal age limits under the Gambling Act and if they prevent account misuse.
Request for Documentation and Action
In a formal letter, Lotteritilsynet asked Norsk Tipping to answer several key questions, including:
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How the company followed up on the 21 recent cases
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Whether earlier incidents occurred and their scope
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What measures Norsk Tipping has taken to stop minors from accessing accounts
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How the company evaluates payment methods in light of age checks and anti-money laundering laws
Norsk Tipping must respond within two weeks. The case could lead to tighter regulations around identity checks and payment solutions in Norway’s gambling sector.