Norway discusses new Gambling Act

What Does the New Bill Include?

The new bill will integrate parts of all the existing acts in one piece and put forward some new rules, especially in terms of iGaming. The most important one is an ''infringement fee'', which will target offshore and unlicensed bookmakers accepting Norwegian bettors. The fee could go up to 10% of the turnover and will be paid before any winnings are handed out, with Lotteri-og Stiftelsestilsynet (the local regulator) overseeing the process.

Currently, there is a gambling monopoly in the country, and only Norsk Tipping & Norsk Rikstoto are licensed to accept local players. The model of only state-owned bookmakers has been criticised by the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming, which also has reservations about the new Act.

The amount of the fine is not decided yet. It will depend on factors like the “gravity and duration” of the infringement, the financial situation of the offender, and any previous violations. If the new Act is approved, it will come into force on January 1, 2023.