Norway’s Gambling Market Overview
Generally speaking, gambling in Norway is illegal. It's one of a few European countries with strict anti-gambling laws. And since it's not a member state of the EU, no one can pressurize the government to legalize iGaming.
Although gambling is banned and discouraged, people actually play online casino games and bet on sports in Norway. In fact, the Nordic nation is one of the most targeted markets by foreign gambling brands.
So, how do Norwegians gamble when it’s illegal to do? Discover below.
The Three Gambling Acts in Norway
Ask any lawyer why there aren't many online casinos in Norway, and they will point to these three acts:
- Gaming Scheme Act of 1992
- Totalisator Act 1927
- Lottery Act of 1995
The Gaming Scheme Act of 1992 provides a means for Norwegians to gamble legally through only one casino in the country: Norks Tipping. It offers sports betting, lotteries, slot machines, and card games.
The Totalisator Act, which came early in the 20th century, was designed to regulate horse racing. It prohibited horse racing betting without a license. Unfortunately, it only allows Norsk Rikstoto to offer thoroughbred racing markets.
The Lottery Act is a tad liberal in that it allows private organizations to run lotteries. But there’s a limitation. These companies have to use their profits for humanitarian reasons.
Gambling at Home is Legal
Although gambling is generally illegal, playing poker with friends at home is allowed. In fact, you can gamble on Texas Hold'em for real money provided bets don't exceed 1000Nok, and tournaments are limited to ten people.
Sports betting at home is also safe. But since betting shops are littered in every major city, most people wager games for real money. Football tipping, which involves wagering on ACCA bets for specific leagues every week is pretty common.
As mentioned, Norks Tipping runs the show when it comes to sports betting. It offers mostly match winners, ACCA, and half-time, full-time bets. But many critics say the bookmaker provides undesirable odds.
Norwegians Gamble Online
In 2008, the Norwegian government took its dislike for gambling to another level when it promised to fight foreign casinos. But after weeks of outrage from Norwegians and local lawmakers, the government gave up.
It didn't amend gambling laws to prohibit online casinos, either. As such, no law categorically bans Norwegians from gambling online. That means you can join and play casino games at sites based in Malta and Britain stress-free.
According to the Norwegian Lottery Authority, 2.2 million of the country’s 5.23 million population identify as gamblers. In 2017, this population added €4.6 billion to the country’s economy.
Norwegians who gamble on foreign casinos spent NOK2.2 billion in the same year. This figure was projected to continue growing as more offshore casinos continued to target Norwegian players.
Types of Online Casinos in Norway
It's not surprising that with 2.2 million gamblers, so many online casinos try to attract Norwegian customers. These companies come in many forms, some better than others.
- Brand Name Casinos
Brand name casinos are companies well-known for offering gambling services worldwide. They include 888 Casinos, Betway, Betsson, and all the recommended sites at bettingselskaper.com. These companies are reliable and reputable, so you should be safe using them.
The best part about brand name casinos is that they come loaded with games. From slot machines and card games, bingo and sportsbooks, you can gamble on just about anything. If you’re lucky, you also receive bonuses to play your favourite games free.
- Nordic Gambling Sites
These companies are focused on countries in the Nordic region, including Norway. An excellent example is Nordic Bet. It focuses on sports betting on football and ice hockey leagues in Europe. But you can also play casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette.
The biggest advantage of Nordic casinos is that they are focused on Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Germany. They support local languages, local payment methods, and have customer support agencies in these countries.
In other words, Nordic casinos are designed to serve players in the region specifically. They might not be famous outside Europe. They might not have many games. But they offer a delightful experience for gamblers in Scandinavia.
Choosing an Online Casino in Norway
You can gamble legally and safely at Norsk Tipping. But if you want to play more games than the website offers, the best option is to choose a foreign casino. As mentioned, you can pick a Nordic site or join a brand name casino.
Regardless, there are some factors you need to check before you join an online casino. This way, you’ll be safe and won’t have to worry about getting scammed.
- Check for Licensing
Many online casinos that target Norwegians are licensed in two regions: Malta and the UK. Most operators have licenses in both areas for a genuine reason. It's mandatory to have a permit from the UKGC to target British players. That said, a license from Malta helps companies offer their services worldwide.
- Ensure the Site Accepts Norwegians
It's not just enough that a casino has a valid license. Confirm that it accepts players from Norway. You'll avoid a situation where you deposit money and play games but experience trouble withdrawing your profits.
- Checkout Offered Games
If you’re like many people, you have a taste for specific casino games. Maybe you enjoy Texas Hold’em. Or you’ve grown to like progressive jackpots. Create an account at a casino that offers the games you like to play.
- Consider Claiming a Bonus
With nearly every online casino offering a bonus, you should consider claiming one. A bonus has many advantages. It’s free betting credit you can use to play a few games without risking your cash. It’s also a way to increase your profits. But before you claim it, read terms and conditions.
Summary and Conclusion
Gambling in Norway is largely illegal. The only exception is to use the country’s online casino: Norsk Tipping. Despite that, Norway doesn’t prosecute its citizens for gambling at foreign casinos. And for that reason, there are tons of Nordic casinos where people from Norway can bet.
