NORWAY

Norway is one of the most closed and tightly controlled Tier 1 gambling markets in Europe. The country has a model of state monopoly, in which key segments of online casinos, sports betting and lotteries are under the full control of the state. The main priority of the Norwegian model is to maximize player protection and minimize social risks.

Despite severe restrictions, interest in online gambling in Norway remains extremely high. Players actively use foreign licensed platforms, especially in the segment of sports betting and online slots.

Online casinos in Norway

Online casinos as a commercial business within the country are officially prohibited. The state allows only the activities of monopoly operators in separate formats.

Ban on private online casinos domestically.
State monopoly on gambling.
Active use of foreign platforms by players.
Tight transaction control.
Increased focus on player protection.

Online casinos for Norwegians are mainly represented by international licensed venues.

Land-based casinos and gaming halls

Classic land casinos are virtually non-existent in Norway. The main part of offline gambling is represented by limited-format machines and lottery points controlled by the state.

Lack of private casinos.
State control of automata.
Strict rate limits.
Age limit 18 +.
Complete control of the entire infrastructure.

The offline sector is minimalistic and highly regulated.

Sports betting and betting

Sports betting in Norway is under a state monopoly, but sports betting remains one of the most popular gambling formats.

• Football.
• Skiing.
• Biathlon.
• Hockey.
• Handball.

Live betting and multi-rates are actively used on international platforms.

Regulation and licences

The regulation of the gambling market in Norway is carried out through the state monopoly model.

State license for the entire gambling sector.
Total ban on private operators.
Strict KYC and AML checks.
Blocking illegal sites.
Control of payment transactions.

Work without a state permit is completely blocked.

Payment methods

Norwegian players use modern non-cash payment instruments with tight financial controls.

Bank cards.
Bank transfers.
Instant online payments.
E-wallets.
Limited access to cryptocurrencies.

Financial operations in gambling are under increased government control.

Popular games and formats

• Online slots.
• Sports betting.
• Lotto and numerical games.
• Virtual sports.
• Live betting.

Classic board games and roulette are less popular compared to betting.

Mobile gambling

Norway is one of the most digital countries in Europe, where mobile access dominates in all areas, including gambling.

Maximum share of mobile users.
High internet speed.
Convenient bookmakers' applications.
Instant deposits from smartphones.
Increased data protection requirements.

Mobile formats are the main channel of access to gambling.

Advertising and responsible play

Gambling advertising in Norway is severely restricted and effectively banned for commercial operators.

Full government control of advertising.
Prohibition of aggressive marketing.
Mandatory risk warnings.
National player assistance programs.
Rigid mechanisms of self-exclusion.

Responsible play is the foundation of the entire Norwegian gambling model.

Why Norway is a Tier 1 market

• one of the toughest regulatory models in the world;
• high solvency of the population;
• active use of online platforms;
• the dominance of mobile gambling;
• the highest level of social protection for players.

Norway is a unique Tier 1 gambling market with a fully government regulatory model. There is virtually no commercial offline sector, and online betting and gaming are under tight control. For operators, this is a complex market of limited access, for players - the maximum level of protection, transparency and financial control.