Norway’s gambling market has long been controlled by a state-run monopoly, with Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto holding exclusive rights to operate gaming services. However, political pressure is mounting for a shift towards a licensing model that would allow private operators to enter the market. Advocates for liberalisation argue that the current system does not provide adequate player protection, as a significant portion of Norwegian players engage with offshore operators outside the reach of national regulations.
Tage Pettersen, a member of the Conservative Party, has been one of the most vocal supporters of opening Norway’s gambling market. He estimates that offshore operators currently account for 50% of online gambling in the country and believes that allowing licensed operators into the market would create better oversight and safer gambling conditions. In an interview on 8 March, he reiterated his call for reform, stating that ending the monopoly would provide “greater opportunities to help those who are struggling with problem gambling.”
Lessons from Sweden and Denmark
Pettersen argues that Norway can learn from the experiences of Sweden and Denmark, two countries that transitioned away from monopoly models and have not expressed a desire to revert. He believes that Norway should develop its own framework by analyzing these markets, stating, “In Norway we can create the best model based on the experiences from Denmark, Sweden and Finland. No one in these countries is advocating a return to a monopoly!” 
One key measure that has proven effective in Sweden and Denmark is the implementation of national self-exclusion registers. Sweden’s system, Spelpaus, has been used by over 110,000 players to block themselves from all licensed gambling sites. Pettersen highlights this as a strong argument for moving towards a licensing model, which could improve player protection in Norway.
Meanwhile, Sweden continues to assess the broader impact of its regulatory model. A recent report from Swedish authorities has shown an increase in youth gambling, raising concerns about potential gaps in the existing safeguards. These findings could provide further insights for Norway as it considers how to implement a safer and more controlled gambling market.
Regulatory Failures Strengthen the Case for Reform
The monopoly system has faced increasing scrutiny due to regulatory failures. In February, Norsk Tipping was fined NOK36 million (£2.6 million/€3.1 million/$3.2 million) after a technical failure prevented players from self-excluding from their accounts for several months. The issue, which lasted between January and May of the previous year, raised concerns about the effectiveness of the monopoly’s responsible gambling measures. Critics argue that a licensing model could introduce stricter compliance mechanisms and offer better protections for players.
The push for market liberalisation has gained traction ahead of Norway’s general election in September, with multiple political parties supporting gambling reform. Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill (NBO) chief Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm has expressed expectations that the market could open as early as 2028 if reforms are enacted following the elections.
What Comes Next for Norway’s iGaming Market?
Pettersen is set to present his arguments for a new licensing system at the upcoming Conservative Party conference later this month. If the party moves forward with its proposal, the debate over Norway’s gambling laws could become a central issue in the election. For iGaming operators and industry stakeholders, these discussions represent a potential shift that could create new business opportunities in the Norwegian market.
As political and regulatory momentum builds, the industry will be watching closely to see if Norway follows in the footsteps of its Scandinavian neighbors or maintains its monopoly structure.
