Norway Considers Gambling Reform as Political Support for Market Liberalisation Grows

A Monopoly Under Scrutiny

Norway remains one of the few countries in Europe with a state-controlled gambling system, with Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto holding exclusive rights to operate online and land-based gambling activities. But with mounting criticism, particularly from opposition politicians, this system is being called into question like never before.

Silje Hjemdal, a Member of Parliament from the Progress Party and a member of the parliamentary family and culture committee, has once again made clear her party’s stance: the monopoly must go. Speaking at a recent industry conference, she cited neighboring Nordic countries as models worth exploring.

Sweden, Denmark and now Finland have all embraced more liberal regulatory frameworks in recent years—an approach she believes could benefit Norway both economically and socially.

Regulatory Failures Add Fuel to the Fire

Norsk Tipping, the main beneficiary of the monopoly, has found itself at the center of several controversies in recent months. The most notable came when the Norwegian Gambling Authority launched an investigation following reports that a minor had managed to transfer money to the state operator—raising serious concerns about player protection.

Earlier this year, the regulator also announced that Norsk Tipping could face a fine of up to NOK 36 million (roughly $3.2 million) for allegedly obstructing player self-exclusion. These incidents have weakened public confidence in the state operator’s ability to uphold its protective mandate.

“There’s a narrative that Norsk Tipping is the safest, the best, the most thoughtful and that it doesn’t make mistakes,” said Hjemdal. “But they’ve been caught time and time and time again.”

The Progress Party’s position isn’t new—its 2021 manifesto already called for an end to the monopoly—but this time, they are not alone. Norway’s Conservative Party has also taken a public stance in favor of opening up the market. In their latest manifesto, launched in September last year, they called for the state’s exclusive grip on gambling to be eliminated.

With both parties poised to play key roles following the general election scheduled for 8 September, the idea of market liberalisation is closer to becoming reality than ever before. According to Carl Stenstrøm, head of the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gambling (NBO), this growing cross-party support makes it plausible that a regulated market could be introduced by 2028.

Looking North and South for Inspiration

While no final decision has been made about which regulatory model Norway would adopt, Hjemdal expressed particular interest in Denmark’s framework, which has been praised for its balance of regulation and competition. “I haven’t landed on a concrete model, but I think what’s happening in Denmark is very exciting,” she said. “And I’d gladly take a study trip there to learn more.”

Norway’s isolated position in the region is becoming increasingly untenable. Finland has already announced its intention to replace its monopoly system, leaving Norway as the last Scandinavian country clinging to the old model. As more funds continue to flow out of the country through unregulated offshore platforms, critics argue that better regulation is not only inevitable but also necessary to protect Norwegian sports, culture and players.

The fate of Norway’s gambling monopoly may hinge on the outcome of this year’s election. If reform-minded parties gain sufficient influence, the country could finally join its Nordic peers in transitioning to a more modern, competitive and regulated gambling environment.