Lottslift, the Norwegian gambling regulator has highlighted a rise in the number of players gambling with the two monopoly operators of the country in the middle of an apparent decline in unlicensed gaming with offshore operators. It credits its enforcement action against illegal offerings.
Reaching 2 million, player numbers at state-controlled Norsk Tipping rose by 11 per cent in 2024. Other monopoly gambling operator of Norway, Norsk Rikstoto, saw numbers rise by 5 per cent to 175,000. It traditionally focuses on horse racing betting.
Together, the combined full-year revenue rose by 19 per cent year-on-year to NOK3.1 billion or €262.1 million. For the moment, the regulator estimated that revenue to the unlicensed market fell by 18 per cent to NOK1.3 billion. Down from 35 per cent in 2023, it estimates that the unlicensed market accounted for a 22-28 per cent market share of the riskiest online casino-style games in 2024.
It suggested that the downturn shows the results of its actions. This means players had to use the state-approved offerings. The Norwegian regulator announced in April the blocking orders against 57 unlicensed websites. It has also been working with Google and Facebook to monitor and block the advertising of unlicensed offerings.
Tore Bell, director of Lottslift, said that more and more people are choosing Norwegian games.
The apparent success of Lottslift may dent the prospects of any liberalization of gambling in Norway. A handful of legislators is suggesting that the country should follow Finland and introduce a regulated gambling market. However, counties of Norway have mounted a defense of Norsk Tipping.
Lottslift has responded to the drop in offshore gambling. It ordered the monopoly operators Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto to reduce their marketing. This follows the marketing levels seen in the past year. The argument is that they don’t need to promote their products as heavily. There is now less competition from the unregulated market.
