Date: 10.10.2024

by Sebastian Warowny

Norwegian Regulator Probes Norsk Tipping Over Self-Exclusion Bug

Norway’s gaming authority, Lotteritilsynet, is investigating state-owned Norsk Tipping after players reported they couldn’t self-exclude from the company’s app. This is not the first incident for Norsk Tipping, as the operator is already facing a NOK4.5 million fine for another regulatory breach.

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Self-Exclusion Bug Triggered Investigation

Lotteritilsynet was informed in June by Norsk Tipping about the issue. The bug prevented one or more players from being able to block themselves from the app. According to section 9 of the Norwegian Gambling Act, licensed operators must give players the option to self-exclude or take a break.

The law states: “Providers of gambling that are subject to requirements for registered gambling must give players the opportunity to lock themselves out or take a time-limited break from gambling.” Players can’t lift such a ban until at least one year has passed.

Anya Markhus, senior advisor at Lotteritilsynet, confirmed the regulator is looking into whether the incident is a breach of the law. “We will now carry out further investigations to find out whether there has been a breach of the law,” Markhus stated. The case is in its early stages and Lotteritilsynet won’t comment further until more information is available.

Norsk Tipping Comments

Anne Marit Sletten, communications advisor for Norsk Tipping, confirmed the issue and said it’s been fixed. This is a case that dates back some time, and the error has been corrected,” Sletten said. She added the company welcomes the investigation and will provide all necessary information.

Lotteritilsynet has asked Norsk Tipping for full documentation, including a description of the error and how it was fixed. The company must also report how many players tried to self-exclude during the affected period, from when the issue was discovered.

Previous Fines for Non-Compliance

This is not Norsk Tipping’s first regulatory headache, as the company is already facing a NOK4.5 million fine for another incident. In that case, KongKasino, an online casino owned by Norsk Tipping, paid out a NOK25 million jackpot—way above the NOK5 million limit set by the Norwegian Money Act.

Originally given three weeks from the ruling date of 17 September to appeal the jackpot fine, Norsk Tipping’s deadline has been extended to 18 October. The company said the overpayment was due to a technical error they didn’t know about and is still considering to contest the fine.