Gambling is legal but strictly controlled under a state monopoly, with only a few licensed operators permitted; most private and foreign operators are prohibited.
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Regulatory AuthorityNorwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority (Lottstift)
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Regulated
Online Casinos
Regulated
Betting
Regulated
Online Betting
Regulated
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Regulated
Highlights
Norway operates a strict state monopoly on gambling, with only Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto authorized to offer most gambling services.
All gambling activities are regulated under the Lottery Act, the Gambling Act, and the Totalisator Act, with new unified legislation under development.
Private operators are generally prohibited, though limited licenses exist for charitable bingo and lotteries under strict conditions.
Norwegian authorities actively block offshore gambling sites and payment transactions, but many Norwegians still access foreign operators online.
A new regulation effective January 1, 2025, requires all bingo operators to register their games and introduces mandatory loss limits.
The legal gambling age in Norway is 18 for all regulated gambling products.
Norway’s regulator, Lottstift, is implementing a national action plan against match-fixing, with enhanced cooperation between government, police, and sports bodies.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
Norway's gambling sector is governed by a set of core legislative acts that establish a strict regulatory framework and state-controlled monopoly. The principal laws currently in force are:
The Lottery Act (Lotteriloven): This act provides the legal basis for all lottery activities in Norway, broadly defining “lotteries” to include most games of chance and prize draws. It restricts the operation and marketing of such games to government-appointed providers and sets the framework for the regulation and supervision of all lottery-related activities.
The Gaming Act (Pengespilloven): This law regulates betting and gaming activities, including sports betting and other forms of gambling not covered by the Lottery Act. It grants exclusive rights to certain state-owned entities to operate these activities and aims to prevent gambling-related harm and crime.
The Totalisator Act (Totalisatorloven): This act specifically governs betting on horse racing and grants exclusive rights to a designated operator for conducting totalisator (parimutuel betting) activities in Norway.
These laws collectively establish a state-controlled monopoly, strictly limiting the provision of gambling services to a small number of authorized operators. Amendments and updates to these acts are periodically introduced to address emerging issues such as digital gambling, payment blocking, and player protection.
Regulatory Authority
The primary regulatory body overseeing the enforcement and administration of Norway’s gambling legislation is the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority, commonly referred to as Lottstift. This authority operates under the Ministry of Culture and Equality and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all gambling laws and regulations.
Supervises and enforces the Lottery Act, Gaming Act, and Totalisator Act
Monitors licensed operators and ensures adherence to the state monopoly system
Implements measures to prevent illegal gambling and unauthorized operators
Coordinates with law enforcement and other governmental bodies on issues such as match-fixing and gambling-related crime
Develops and updates regulatory strategies to address new forms of gambling and emerging risks
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses Available in Norway
Norway operates a state-controlled gambling monopoly system. Only two entities are permitted to hold gambling licenses:
Norsk Tipping: Holds the exclusive license for offering most lottery, sports betting, and instant games (both land-based and online).
Norsk Rikstoto: Holds the exclusive license for horse race betting.
Private operators are not eligible for standard commercial gambling licenses. However, limited licenses may be issued for certain charity-based or beneficiary lotteries and bingo operations, subject to strict regulation and oversight.
Licensing Procedures and Application Process
Licenses for large-scale gambling activities (lotteries, betting, etc.) are not open to general commercial application; they are granted by the government to the designated monopoly operators (Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto).
Charitable organizations may apply for permits to operate small-scale lotteries and bingo games. Applications must be submitted to the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority (Lottstift).
From January 1, 2025, new regulations require all bingo operators to register their games with the authorities.
The application process for charity lotteries and bingo includes providing detailed information about the organization, the intended use of proceeds, and the structure of the games.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
Monopoly licenses for Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto are ongoing and subject to periodic government review, not standard renewal cycles.
Charitable lottery and bingo permits are typically granted for a fixed period (often one year) and must be renewed upon expiration.
Eligibility for charity licenses is restricted to non-profit and beneficiary organizations with a clear social or humanitarian purpose.
Licensing Costs, Fees, and Financial Requirements
There are no published commercial licensing fees for Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, as these are state-appointed monopolies.
Charitable lottery and bingo licenses may involve administrative fees, which are generally modest and set by the regulatory authority.
Applicants for charity licenses must demonstrate that the majority of proceeds will benefit the stated social purpose, and financial reporting is required.
For bingo, new regulations from 2025 will require operators to comply with additional financial controls, such as registration of games and implementation of loss limits.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses
Only state-designated operators are eligible for full gambling licenses covering lotteries, betting, and casino-style games.
Charity and beneficiary organizations must meet strict eligibility criteria, including transparency, non-profit status, and proper governance.
All licensed activities must comply with responsible gambling measures, including player protection protocols and, from 2025, loss limits for bingo.
Regular financial and operational reporting to the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority is mandatory.
Failure to comply with regulatory requirements can result in suspension or revocation of the license or permit.
Summary Table: Licensing System in Norway
License Type
Eligible Entities
Application Process
Duration
Fees
Key Requirements
Monopoly License (Lotteries, Betting)
Norsk Tipping, Norsk Rikstoto
State appointment only
Ongoing, reviewed by government
Not published
Compliance with state regulations
Charity Lottery/Bingo Permit
Non-profit/beneficiary organizations
Application to Lottstift
Typically 1 year
Administrative fees
Transparency, financial reporting, proceeds to charity
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Norway
Norway maintains a state monopoly on gambling, with only two authorized operators: Norsk Tipping (covering lotteries, sports betting, and instant games) and Norsk Rikstoto (covering horse race betting). Private operators are not permitted to offer gambling services within Norway. The taxation system for gambling operators is therefore specific to these state-controlled entities.
Type of Gambling
Tax Rate
Tax Base
Lotteries, Sports Betting, Instant Games (Norsk Tipping)
No direct gambling tax; profits are transferred to the state and earmarked for public benefit causes
Net profit (after operating expenses and payouts)
Horse Race Betting (Norsk Rikstoto)
No direct gambling tax; profits are transferred to the state and earmarked for public benefit causes
Net profit (after operating expenses and payouts)
Bingo and Charitable Lotteries (licensed for non-profits)
Varies; commonly a fixed percentage of gross turnover or gross gaming revenue, subject to specific license conditions
Gross turnover or GGR as defined by the license
Basis for Taxation
For the state monopolies (Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto), there is no separate gambling tax. Instead, all net profits after operating costs and player winnings are transferred to the Norwegian state and distributed to various public interest projects, sports, culture, and charitable causes.
For charitable gambling (such as bingo and small lotteries), taxes or fees may be levied based on gross turnover or gross gaming revenue (GGR), as specified in the license terms for each operator.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
The state operators are required to submit detailed annual financial reports to the relevant authorities, showing gross revenue, payouts, operating expenses, and the final net profit transferred to the state.
Charitable gambling operators must report turnover, payouts, and calculate tax or fee obligations according to the conditions set in their license. Payment schedules and reporting formats are prescribed by the Norwegian Gambling Authority (Lottstift).
All payments and reports must be submitted in accordance with statutory deadlines, usually on an annual or quarterly basis, depending on the type and scale of operation.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are no tax incentives or exemptions for the state gambling monopolies, as all profits are already allocated to public benefit purposes.
Charitable organizations operating bingo or small lotteries may benefit from reduced tax rates or exemptions, depending on the nature of the event and its compliance with non-profit objectives. These provisions are determined on a case-by-case basis by the regulator.
No tax is levied on foreign or unlicensed operators, as their activities are not legally recognized within Norway. However, enforcement measures exist to prevent unauthorized gambling and related financial transactions.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participating in any form of gambling in Norway is 18 years. All operators are required to verify the age and identity of players before allowing access to gambling products. This includes both land-based and online gambling activities, ensuring that minors are strictly prohibited from participating. Identification checks are mandatory to prevent underage gambling and to comply with responsible gambling protocols.
Prohibited Types of Gambling and Game Restrictions
Only two state-controlled entities, Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, are authorized to offer gambling services. Private operators are not permitted to provide gambling products to Norwegian residents, either online or offline.
Most forms of gambling are prohibited unless explicitly offered by these state monopolies. This includes online casino games, poker, and betting services from foreign operators.
Unlicensed gambling activities, including unregistered bingo games and offshore online casinos, are strictly forbidden. The government actively blocks transactions to and from unauthorized gambling sites.
From January 1, 2025, all bingo games, both electronic and in physical venues, must be registered with the authorities. Unregistered bingo operations are not allowed.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising and marketing of gambling services are heavily restricted. Only state-authorized operators are permitted to advertise their products within Norway.
Foreign and unlicensed operators are strictly prohibited from marketing or promoting gambling services to Norwegian citizens, including via television, radio, online platforms, and print media.
All gambling-related advertising must include responsible gambling messages and information about support services for problem gamblers.
There are ongoing efforts to block advertisements from offshore operators, including cooperation with media outlets to prevent the dissemination of unauthorized gambling promotions.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Mandatory loss limits are imposed on all gambling activities offered by state operators. Players must set maximum loss limits before they can participate, and these limits apply to both online and land-based gambling.
Self-exclusion tools are available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a specified period or indefinitely.
Operators are required to monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and to intervene with information, support, or restrictions when risky patterns are detected.
Information campaigns and educational materials about the risks of gambling and the dangers of match-fixing are regularly conducted to raise public awareness and protect vulnerable groups.
Special protections are in place for electronic bingo games, including the introduction of mandatory registration and loss limits to safeguard at-risk players and their families.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Gambling venues are limited to authorized locations, such as state-licensed betting shops, bingo halls, and racetracks. Unauthorized venues and unlicensed gambling machines are prohibited.
Online gambling is only permitted through state-controlled platforms. Access to foreign gambling websites is restricted, and financial transactions to and from such sites are actively blocked by Norwegian authorities.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1927
The Totalisator Act is enacted, granting Norsk Rikstoto the exclusive right to offer betting on horse racing in Norway.
1992
The Gaming Act (Lotteri- og pengespilloven) is adopted, establishing a legal framework for most forms of gambling and reinforcing the state monopoly model.
1995
Norsk Tipping, the state-owned company, is granted exclusive rights to offer lotteries, sports betting, and instant games.
2003
The Lottery Act is updated to further restrict private operators and reinforce the state monopoly over gambling activities.
2010
Norwegian authorities introduce measures to block payment transactions to and from unlicensed foreign gambling operators.
2020
Amendments to gaming regulations come into effect, increasing the Norwegian Gaming Authority’s powers to cancel gambling transactions involving unlicensed operators.
2025
New regulations require bingo operators to register their games and introduce loss limits, effective January 1, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable players.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
Gambling operators must ensure all gaming software and systems comply with strict technical standards set by the Norwegian Gambling Authority (Lottstift). Only certified and approved software is permitted for use in regulated activities.
Random Number Generators (RNGs) used in games must undergo independent testing and certification to guarantee fairness and unpredictability.
Game outcomes, payout percentages, and system integrity must be regularly audited by accredited third-party testing labs.
Any updates or modifications to gaming software require prior notification and, in some cases, re-certification before deployment in the Norwegian market.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
Operators must implement robust data protection measures in line with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring the confidentiality and security of all personal and financial data.
Personal data must be collected, processed, and stored securely, with access restricted to authorized personnel only.
Operators are required to maintain servers and data storage within the European Economic Area (EEA) or in jurisdictions that provide an equivalent level of data protection.
Comprehensive logging and monitoring systems must be in place to detect unauthorized access, data breaches, or suspicious activities, with immediate reporting obligations to authorities in the event of incidents.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must establish and maintain rigorous AML programs, including risk-based customer due diligence and ongoing transaction monitoring.
Comprehensive KYC checks are mandatory prior to customer account activation, requiring verification of identity, age, and address using reliable and independent sources.
Enhanced due diligence is required for high-risk customers and transactions, including politically exposed persons (PEPs) and large or unusual betting patterns.
Operators must report suspicious transactions immediately to the Norwegian Financial Intelligence Unit and retain all relevant documentation for regulatory review.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
Operators are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including detailed logs of all transactions, player accounts, and game outcomes.
Regular financial reporting to the Norwegian Gambling Authority is mandatory, following prescribed formats and timelines.
Annual independent audits of financial statements and gaming systems must be conducted by certified auditors.
All records, including customer data, transaction logs, and audit trails, must be retained for a minimum period as specified by Norwegian regulations, and be readily available for inspection by authorities.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must integrate technical tools that enable players to set personal deposit, loss, and time limits across all gaming platforms.
Mandatory loss limits are enforced for certain products, such as electronic bingo, and must be implemented at the system level to prevent circumvention.
Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available and technically enforced, allowing players to block themselves from gambling activities for defined periods.
Systems must provide real-time monitoring of gambling behavior, with automated alerts and interventions for signs of problematic play.
Operators are required to display responsible gambling information prominently and provide direct links to support resources within all digital interfaces.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
