In a statement posted on its website, European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) Secretary General Maarten Haijer has urged Norway to call a close to its monopoly licensing system.

Presently, Norway stands as one of the few nations within Europe and the Nordic region that maintains a monopoly-oriented framework. Specifically, Norsk Rikstoto enjoys exclusive control over pari-mutuel horse racing betting, while Norsk Tipping presides over sports wagering activities. Finland appears poised to introduce a more nuanced licensing model by 2025, wherein permits will be granted for sports betting, while Veikkaus retains its exclusive grip on gaming and lottery operations.

From EGBA:

“The belief that a monopoly model is essential for safer gambling does not align with the current European trend. Nearly every other European country has implemented some form of licensing system, successfully prioritising player safety within a regulatory framework that provides clear rules for companies to follow. In Norway, there is a clear demand for alternatives to the current gambling monopoly, as evidenced by the determination of players to actively seek out and access international websites which offer them greater choice. It is crucial for the government to recognise and respond to this demand.

Introducing a licensing system would address the demand for alternative gambling options, increase tax revenue, and enhance safer gambling measures by regulating more operators within the country. Neighbouring countries like Sweden and Finland have already recognised the benefits of transitioning from a monopoly system to a licensing model, leaving Norway as the only country in mainland Europe committed to an exclusive gambling monopoly. It is essential for the authorities to evaluate whether this approach remains relevant in the modern digital age and in comparison to the practices adopted by other European countries.

We strongly urge the Norwegian authorities to consider the advantages of a licensing model, which can effectively meet the evolving needs of its players and foster a more comprehensive approach to gambling regulation that prioritises player safety.”
Read more here: https://www.egba.eu/news-post/norway...line-gambling/