Gaming in Norway
Article | Last updated: 03/03/2025 | Ministry of Culture and Equality
The overarching goal of regulating the gaming market in Norway is to prevent gaming problems and other negative consequences of gaming, as well as to ensure that gaming is conducted in a responsible and safe manner. Additionally, the regulation aims to ensure that the profits from gaming go to non-profit purposes. However, the profit is subordinate to the other objectives.
Major gaming activities in Norway are currently marketed under an exclusive rights model. Norsk Tipping has the exclusive right to deliver gaming services, while Stiftelsen Norsk Rikstoto has the exclusive right to offer gaming within horse racing and horse trotting.
The Ministry of Culture and Equality is responsible for the governance of Norsk Tipping AS. The ministry also has the right to appoint a majority of the members of the board of Stiftelsen Norsk Rikstoto. This arrangement is intended to ensure sound public supervision and management of the gaming market.
In addition, organisations and associations may be granted a licence to hold private lotteries. Under strict conditions, it is also possible for individuals and organizations to offer smaller gaming activities without prior permission from the The Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority.
Norwegian gaming policy and the exclusive rights model reflect three general, primary objectives:
- Prevention of problematic gaming behaviour
- Prevention of financial irregularities
- Limitation of private profit
The goals of Norwegian gaming policy are not equal. The primary objective of Norwegian gaming policy is to ensure responsible gaming.