Date: 16.01.2025

by Adam Dworak

Norway’s Norsk Tipping Tightens Loss Limits for Young Adults

Norsk Tipping, Norway’s state-owned gambling operator, will introduce stricter loss limits for young adults starting February 1, aiming to curb gambling-related harm among vulnerable players.

EGBA Calls for Norway to Shift from Monopoly to Licensing Model in Online Gambling iGamingExpress

New Monthly Loss Limits

Norsk Tipping will implement new monthly loss limits for younger players. Those aged 20 to 21 will have a maximum loss of NOK 3,000 (€256), while those aged 22 to 24 will be capped at NOK 5,000 (€428).

These limits apply to all games on the platform. This follows a previous measure in May 2023, which set a NOK 2,000 (€171) monthly limit for players aged 18 to 20.

Financial Vulnerability Concerns

The decision is driven by concerns about the financial vulnerability of young adults. Research from the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Gambling Helpline indicates that young people are more prone to developing gambling problems.

Norsk Tipping’s own data shows that one in five men aged 18 to 25 are at risk.

Bjørn Helge Hoffmann, head of responsible gaming at Norsk Tipping, stated:

“Young people generally have more vulnerable finances than older individuals. The rising cost of living has made this situation worse, making it easier for them to get into financial trouble when they experience significant losses from gambling.”

Safeguarding Players and Preventing Harm

Hoffmann also emphasized the importance of personal limits, noting that while Norsk Tipping requires players to set their own spending limits, the new maximum loss limits will protect those who struggle to do so.

He explained:

“When these limits are lowered, it will contribute to the prevention of problem gambling and limit the damage for those already facing difficulties.”

The new rules are also a response to an increase in young people visiting casinos, with Norsk Tipping’s research showing a rise in young players engaging in higher-risk activities like online casinos and slot machines.

Existing Limits for Older Players

While the new loss limits apply to players under 25, those aged 25 and older will still be allowed to lose up to NOK 20,000 (€1,715) per month.

However, high-risk games like online casinos and slot machines have additional, more restrictive limits.