The head of the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority, Atle Hamar, has stated that Norway has no current discussions in place to change the gambling model to a licensing system. 

Speaking to Vixio GamblingCompliance, he said “I need to rely on what the government and parliament’s decision is, that’s my job. If they decided on a different model, then I would regulate after that model, no problem.”

Hamar also noted that data shows players are returning to Norway’s regulated market, with measures like payment blocking and marketing restrictions helping to curb illegal gambling, “Whether you are deregulated or not, you must build a very strong legal framework to protect your market. It’s independent of what model you choose,” he said.

Norway must re-regulate its gambling market

At the committee’s meeting on January 10, Carl Stenstrøm from the Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill (NBO) trade group argued that Norway should adopt a licensing model similar to Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. He mentioned that some political parties are already discussing this change,“I think it is a bit curious that Atle Hamar has not caught on to the ongoing discussion related to the licensing model in Norway.

“Both the Progressive Party and the Liberal Party have proposed it in their new party programmes, and in the Conservative Party there is an ongoing discussion with a strong dissent in favour of a licence model,” he said.

Stenstrøm believes that fairer regulations would benefit Norwegian players and hopes for cooperation with the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority.

Hamar has expressed interest in observing Finland’s progress with its licensing scheme, which he believes will not be ready until 2026 due to the need to establish a Finnish gambling authority.

Recent policies reducing gambling problems

According to the 2024-25 representative’s proposal for a strengthened policy to prevent gambling addiction, “the policies and regulations that have been implemented in recent years seem to have had a clear effect”.

Over 3.5 million Norwegians engaged in online or mobile gambling in 2022, of which an estimated 23,000 Norwegians had gambling problems, with 93,000 at risk. This is a decrease from 2019 figures but similar to 2015 levels.

Problem gambling was estimated to cost Norwegian society NOK 5.1 billion annually in 2019, but recent policies, including advertising bans, payment bans, debt registers, and a new gambling law, have been effective in reducing addiction.

Restrictions on gambling advertising have also reduced foreign gambling ads on Norwegian TV. There is ongoing discussion about further reducing advertising for exclusive rights to protect the population.

In addition, the issue of loot boxes in computer games, which can lead to gambling-like behaviour, is on the radar in Norway. Several countries have introduced or are considering regulations on loot boxes, with a call for Norway to take the lead.

Finding a balance

With the current restrictions making headway in reducing problem gambling in Norway, there is likely to be ongoing debate about the likelihood of re-regulating its gambling market into a licensing model. However, Stenstrøm is arguing for fairer regulations “for the good of the Norwegian players.”

“To ensure this, it is important that Atle Hamar and the rest of the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority take us up on our offer of cooperation going forward.”