Norway explores online poker legalization through Norsk Tipping

• Proposed changes to the gambling regulations in Norway seek to enable Norsk Tipping to offer online poker
• There is a growing number of people interested in online poker, and regulating the activity will help combat unlicensed gambling
• Besides allowing Norsk Tipping to offer online poker, the country’s Ministry of Culture and Equality plans to establish a player protection framework

The state-owned Norwegian government-administered gambling and lottery operator, Norsk Tipping, may soon grow its offering with the addition of online poker.

That was proposed by the country’s Ministry of Culture and Equality, which launched a consultation on the matter earlier this week.

Many Norwegians already play poker online

Currently, there isn’t a licensed gambling operator in Norway that offers online poker.

Despite that, a survey by the University of Bergen from 2022 identified that nearly 90,000 residents in the country engage with poker games online annually.

This number, according to Norsk Tipping, may be significantly higher.

The state-owned gambling operator estimated that the real number of online poker players in Norway may be between 100,000 and 150,000 every year.

In this context, Norway’s Ministry of Culture and Equality rolled out a consultation on online poker, proposing that Norsk Tipping offer the activity.

The legalization of online poker would be completed via changes to the established gambling regulations.

The Ministry also seeks to introduce player protection rules, including, among other things, maximum bet limits, loss limits, and cool-off periods.

"Central to the consultation is that the ministry believes that it should be opened up for Norsk Tipping to be able to offer online poker," a press release by the Ministry reads.

A regulatory framework is expected to combat addiction

Lubna Jaffery, the country’s Culture and Equality Minister, acknowledged the government is aware that many Norwegians like online poker.

She explained that considering the popularity of the activity, it would be safer for it to be offered across Norway by a regulated and licensed operator, rather than remain in the hands of "commercial gaming companies that are governed by profit."

"The most important thing we do in gambling policy is to prevent gambling addiction and other negative consequences," Jaffery added.

According to the Minister, the government’s most valuable tool to ensure responsible gambling and entertainment is present in poker is achieved via the exclusive rights model.

Through this model, Norway can establish a safe, responsible and regulated market, Jaffery said in conclusion.

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