Norway shows several gaming companies the door

Shirley Pulis Xerxen September 15, 2023

Several gaming companies operating in Norway are in the process of withdrawing from the Norwegian market following an audit carried out by the Norwegian Gaming Authority (NGA). Companies include Unibet, Betsson, ComeOn and Bet365, which have been operating in Norway for several years. The only online operator allowed to offer online gaming in Norway is state-owned gaming monopoly Norsk Tipping.

Henrik Nordal, Director of the Norwegian Gaming Authority, said in a statement that these companies are neither allowed to offer nor market online gaming to Norwegians. He added that their withdrawal will end further investigation and “contribute to a safer and more responsible gaming offer in the Norwegian market.”

The regulator has included the names of several brands that are exiting the market, namely:

Kindred Group brands Unibet, Maria Casino, Bingo.com and Storspiller;
Betsson brands including Betsson, Betsafe, Nordicbet, Casinoeuro and NorgesAutomaten;
ComeOn and its brands Folkeriket, GetLucky, Mobilebet and Mobilautomaten;
bet365.

In its statement, the regulator explained that operators are withdrawing following a number of inspections and gave its promise to continue monitoring operators in Norway which it deems illegal.

A recent study from the University of Bergen commissioned by the Norwegian Gaming Authority looked into gambling problems in Norway. The results reveal that gambling-related problems in Norway have been drastically reduced since the preceding study carried out in 2019. Other results reveal that just over 60% of Norwegians gamble. Additionally, the demographic with worst gambling problems are young men from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

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