What You Should Know About Online Gambling in Norway

Whether online or offline, gambling is a popular hobby among different people across the world. But, there are some things you should know before beginning your gambling adventure in your residing state or state where you are traveling. First, you must review the gambling laws to ensure that you are not in contravention of any rules.

If you are a regular online gambler traveling to Norway and residing there, you review the gambling laws in this North European country. Luckily, we have compiled this detailed guide about online betting in Norway to simplify this jurisdiction’s often misunderstood gambling rules. So, let us look at everything you need to know about online Norway Casinos. 

History of Norway Casino Online

Gambling in Norway has been legal since 1902. Its main gambling law being the 1992 Gaming Scheme Act. The state has the strictest gambling rules in the European region. For one, the entire gambling industry in Norway is under the Government. It has two gambling monopolies, which are:

• Norsk Rikstoto for horse racing 
• Norsk Tipping AS for casino games, sports betting, scratch cards, lotteries, and instant games

Take note that there is an exception to this rule. Non-profit organizations with a social benefit or humanitarian purpose can get a charity gambling license. But, it is illegal for private corporations. 

Online gambling is also legal in Norway. But, the Government outlawed gambling on offshore gambling sites in 2008. Later, the Government went further ahead to ban credit and debit cards to offshore sites. But, it does not enforce these prohibitions to date. As a result, many Norwegian players prefer gambling on these offshore sites. Furthermore, there is a wider game variety, more attractive bonus offers and promotions, and many other perks.

The Current Norwegian Online Gambling Market

As mentioned earlier, the Government controls betting in Norway. But since the two state-owned monopolies do not meet the needs of their players, most of them resort to gambling on foreign sites. With so many options, these gamers must find the best new casino that offers their favorite online game. Luckily, several websites can help you review and compare different websites, helping you select the most suitable one with the best games. 

These professional sites will help you lok through various factors to ensure that you make the best decision for your gambling needs. Some of the factors they consider include licensing and leaglity, bonuses and promotions, available games, customer support functionality, safety, and mobile compatibility, among many others.

As a matter of fact, many legit foreign gambling sites have accepted Norwegian players with open arms due to their love of online gambling. Many of these sites even accept Krones as the main currency and offer their games in Norwegian.

Slots Are the Most Popular Online Casino Games in Norway

Despite being the most common casino game in Norway, slots have a fascinating history in this country. At first, these machines fell under the 1995 Lotteries Act category, which only permitted those with Charity gambling licenses to operate them. As a result, the revenue from these machines grew from kr200 million in 1990 to kr26 billion in 2004, a 64% gross turnover. 

Later, in 2007, the Norwegian Government banned slot machines in the country due to the rise of problem gambling among its residents. But, they were later re-introduced in the state as interactive video terminals (IVT) under the surveillance of Norsk Tipping. Note that these games are unlike the regular slots in the UK or Las Vegas. This slot version requires a specific card to play them, and players must make wagers using a prepaid card and set pay-outs and limits. 

However, those who prefer playing on regular slots can access them via offshore gambling sites, despite being illegal in Norway. Statistics show that the Government does not enforce the prohibitions listed in its laws, allowing Norwegian gamblers to enjoy real money slots. 

Payment to International Gambling Sites

As we had mentioned earlier, a 2017 Norwegian Gambling Legislation prohibited its banks from authorizing payments to specific accounts in the offshore gambling business. Many of the operators with these numbers responded by changing their account numbers, curtailing the Government’s efforts to prohibit its residents from gambling on international sites.

As a result, new legislation proposes that banks block accounts after assessing their identity and dealings instead of merely securing account numbers. This will ensure unauthorized companies do not find their way around the law.

That is not to say that Norwegian players cannot fund their player accounts on offshore sites. However, the law will make many payment options inaccessible to Norwegian players, forcing them to use a licensed online casino Norway.

Conclusion

Although online gambling in Norway is subject to many rules and limitations, you can still play your favorite online games at a Norway casino. Whether you opt for an offshore site or a state-owned operator, you are sure to enjoy your online gambling adventure in Norway.