Norway Cracks Down on 57 Illegal Gambling Websites
Norway’s gambling regulator, Lotteritilsynet, has taken a firm step against unlicensed operators by ordering internet providers to block access to 57 websites. Announced on April 1, this move marks the first wave of a broader effort to curb illegal gambling in the country.
Blocking 23 Companies’ Operations
Behind the 57 blocked websites are 23 companies now cut off from Norwegian players. Lotteritilsynet has implemented DNS blocking, which reroutes users from these sites to a page managed by their internet service providers.
This page explains that the targeted sites are illegal, though it reassures users they’re not in legal trouble for trying to access them. It’s a straightforward tactic to disrupt access while keeping the public in the loop.
“Blocking illegal websites will help fewer people develop gambling problems. These are the games that have the highest risk. They are designed to get you hooked and you can lose a lot of money in a short time”, said Silje Sægrov Amble, a lawyer with Lotteritilsynet.
The focus is on dismantling platforms that prey on vulnerable players with aggressive, high-stakes offerings.
The blocks follow a warning issued last autumn to nearly 50 companies, putting around 100 websites on notice. The result? Nearly 40 of those sites have since vanished from Norway’s market.
Lotteritilsynet hasn’t released the names of the blocked sites but noted that several major operators were among those who backed off after the initial alert.
Tightening the Net on Illegal Operators
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to be an illegal gambling company in Norway. There are several reasons for this. TV advertising is gone and Norwegian banks are stopping bets and winnings to and from these companies”, she said.
Blocking is one piece of a puzzle that includes cutting off financial lifelines and ad exposure, making Norway a tougher market for rogue players.
Still, gaps remain. Sentio surveys reveal that about 50% of Norwegians don’t know which gambling operators hold legal approval. Amble flagged this as a concern.
“Players do not know about the risk. We believe most people want information that they are entering an illegal game. Therefore, blocking is also an information measure.”
She’s advocating for more regulatory muscle to close this knowledge gap and bolster market oversight.