Best Betting Sites in Norway 2025

Even though Norway is known for its loose policies and freedom, this has not translated to the online gambling market. Only two state-owned bookmakers, Norsk Rikstoto & Norsk Tipping, have been granted a local license, while all others are banned.

Nevertheless, players seek alternatives internationally to take advantage of a wider range of markets, higher bonuses, and more competitive odds on their favorite sports.

On this page, we will offer you a complete list of international betting sites in Norway that you can safely bet on. Which are the best payments to fund your account? Do you have to pay a gambling tax? Let’s find out.

The lack of a licensing procedure means that the gambling environment in the country runs as a state monopoly. However, due to the lack of diversity, most players prefer internationally betting sites in Norway. 

Full List of Norwegian Betting Sites

How to Find the Best Norway Betting Sites

When participating in online gambling within the country, choosing platforms that provide excellent services and a high degree of privacy is essential. Here are some key factors to consider:

Sports & Markets

Choosing a site that offers high odds and a wide selection of markets on all your favorite sports should be number one on your list. You must pick a bookmaker where you ensure that you maximize your potential profits.

Live Betting

Beyond placing wagers before the match, the best betting sites in Norway also offer extensive live betting options. The primary goal is to confirm that payout rates remain stable and don’t significantly decline during in-play wagering. Also, sports like ice hockey or skiing are sometimes overlooked by operators, so you should pick a site that also offers thorough in-play coverage of them.

VPN Compatibility

Due to the country’s strict regulations on online gambling, operators cannot obtain local licenses. Therefore, the only way to access international bookmakers is through VPN services for sports betting. This decreases the likelihood of being prosecuted for breaching any gambling laws.

Payment Methods

Look for platforms that allow you to fund your account using alternatives to debit cards or bank transfers. E-wallets and cryptocurrencies are often the most convenient options. Note that the Norwegian government often investigates local banks to ensure that users do not deposit on international bookmakers. E-wallets and cryptos offer the necessary coverage.

Simplified KYC Process

A common issue arises when you win money but cannot withdraw it due to difficulties with the KYC process. To avoid this, opt for betting sites that don’t require ID verification for withdrawals. That way, you can easily play online without worrying that you will lose your winnings.

What to Know About Sports Betting in Norway

Since 1995, when the first major gambling change occurred, Norway has constantly been trying to clamp down on illegal gambling activity. In 2010, it attempted to deter access to unlicensed sites by implementing specific payment-blocking measures, but with little success.

Later, in June 2021, officials aimed to unify all gaming acts (Lottery Act, Totalisator Act & Gambling Act) and strengthen the online betting monopoly of the two state-owned firms.

Is Online Betting in Norway Legal?

All this means that unregulated betting in Norway is illegal. The government has been trying to close any loopholes with amendments in the Gaming Acts and deems any activity outside the two state-owned bookies illegal. However, many Norwegians opt to play on non-regulated bookmakers because strict laws are never enforced.

What Are the Tax Implications in Norway?

Tax implications are also steep in the country. Players who win over 10,000 NOK must pay a 28% winning tax. However, you might get a tax exemption if you play on government-run Norwegian betting sites.

The latter entices players, especially high-rollers, to bet on domestic sites. Regardless of where you place your bets, you must declare any winnings above 100.000 NOK. Moreover, local authorities regularly investigate bank transactions to check the amounts a user deposits and withdraws from international bookmakers.

International vs. Local Betting Sites in Norway

If you are looking to place your bets on international bookmakers, knowing the advantages and disadvantages is key. First, you cannot refer to the local authorities if you face any issues. In addition, no scheme that allows you to self-exclude if you are a problem gambler exists.

On the other hand, most international betting sites in Norway allow you to perform transactions wide a wide range of options, including Nordea and Boku. Additionally, the overall offering, namely the odds and markets, is way better in offshore operators.

Can You Use Betting Apps in Norway?

Yes. As long as a bookmaker accepts players from your country and has developed a mobile application, you can visit the official website, locate the correct file, and install it on your smartphone. If you want to find more info about which bookies offer an app and how to download it, check out our guide about the best mobile bookmakers.

What is the Direction of Sports Betting in Norway

According to existing data, the online sports betting market in Norway generates revenue that reaches the $250 million mark, while the number of users is over 800,000. Most players place wagers worth $500 annually. Most of them are placed in the following sports.

Football

In terms of participation, football ranks number one in the country. The top-flight domestic league is Eliteserien, featuring teams like Rosenborg and Bodø/Glimt. However, since international betting sites in Norway cannot obtain a local license, the league is often overlooked regarding odds and markets. This is why most players in the country place wagers on the best European leagues and competitions.

Handball

Following the example of many other Nordic countries, handball is extremely popular in Norway. The men's and women’s national teams have accrued many medals and international trophies. Being players indoors makes it easier for people to participate and watch. This is why all online bookmakers offer competitive odds on the domestic Eliteserien leagues. However, we have noticed that the services for in-play betting are deteriorating.

Winter Sports

In terms of viewership, winter sports like cross-country skiing, ski jumping, or alpine skiing surpass even football. After all, Norway is the most successful country in the Winter Olympics, blowing the competition out of the water. The main downside, though, for those looking to place bets on any type of winter sport is that not many Norway betting sites offer an adequate selection of markets. Usually, you can only wager on the event winner and 2-3 alternatives.

Ice Hockey

Unsurprisingly, the best winter sport is held in high regard among bettors in Norway. The domestic league is not very widespread worldwide, but players place the majority of wagers on high-profile international competitions like the NHL, the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the Kontinental Hockey League, or the Swedish Hockey League.

Sports Betting in Norway - Step By Step

If a sportsbook allows users from Norway, you can easily access its website and start placing bets. To guide you, follow these detailed steps:

• 1
  Select the Right Bookmaker: Begin by finding a platform that meets your preferences and ensures a safe environment. Look for factors like user reviews, available sports, market options, and features. You can refer to the bookmaker ratings page to comprehensively evaluate top platforms.
• 2
  Create an Account: After selecting a sportsbook, visit its website and sign up for a new account. During registration, you’ll typically need to provide personal information such as your full name, contact number, residential address, and country of residence. Be accurate, as these details are often used to verify your identity.
• 3
  Fund Your Account: Once registered, the next step is to make your first deposit. Ensure you deposit enough to unlock any welcome bonuses or promotional offers that are available. Additionally, choose a payment method that maintains your privacy, such as cryptocurrency or an e-wallet, to avoid alarming your local authorities.
• 4
  Explore and Place Your Bets: With funds in your account, navigate through the sportsbook to find your preferred sports and events. Browse the available markets, select the event you’re interested in, and determine your stake. Confirm your bet, and it will be officially placed.

Which Payments Do Norwegian Bettors Prefer?

In the following section, we will talk about the most popular payment methods in Norway. Note that when depositing on international operators, you should always be careful to keep your activity hidden.

⏩ Nordea: This is a very popular method to top up your account in Scandinavia. It offers high levels of security and instant transactions. On the downside, even though you don’t need to open an account, you must connect it to your bank account. In addition, you will not find many Nordea bookmakers online.

⏩ Boku: A better option for Nordea is Boku. This is a mobile payment method that is available in many countries and does not require you to connect it to your bank account. This means that you can perform transactions under the radar. For more information, follow our guide about the best Boku betting sites.

⏩ PayPal: This is the most popular e-wallet in Europe. You will find many e-wallets offering better security when it comes to gambling transactions. The main problem is that most international betting sites in Norway do not offer it.

⏩ Klarna: Formerly known as Sofort, Klarna is a German payment method that has gained a lot of traction in Scandinavia. You can deposit in the local NOK currency and it has even developed a native application. Klarna bookmakers are particularly popular in northern Europe.

Do Norway Betting Sites Allow Cryptocurrencies?

The two local bookmakers, Norsk Tipping & Norsk Rikstoto, do not allow you to deposit or withdraw with any type of cryptocurrency. On the other hand, international operators like 1xbet and BC.game have already added them to their cashier sections. You can register and freely top up your balance, among others, through Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Tether, and more.

Sports Betting in Norway: What Does the Future Hold

The latest enactment of the Gaming Act in June 2021 meant only one thing: the gambling monopoly is unlikely to break. Not only that, but for years, the local authorities have been trying to tighten their grip on international betting sites in Norway even more.

Nevertheless, despite all their efforts, local players do not seem very keen on betting exclusively on state-owned sportsbooks. The reason is simple: international operators offer a more enticing package, including higher odds, better bonuses, and more markets.

However, the recent developments in Finland, where the parliament voted to end the monopoly by 2026, can lead Norway to follow its example. For now, though, no immediate action is expected. That being said, as long as you can play abroad, you have no reason to go for a change.

Gambling Regulations in Nearby Countries

⏩ Sweden: has legalised and regulated all forms of gambling on its territory, and currently, many local-licensed operators are thriving in the market.  This didn't stop international brands from competing over being the best betting sites in Sweden, as neither they nor the players who opt for them are penalised.

⏩ Denmark: has a regulated market where operators are theoretically legally obliged to obtain a license and a local domain to offer their services. However, the Denmark betting sites comprise a long list of licensed and unlicensed international brands. 

⏩ Finland: also has a state monopoly on sports betting and other forms of gambling. This doesn't stop the betting sites in Finland that are gaining popularity since the offshore companies offer higher odds, more sports, and better promotions.