Introduction
Norwegian gambling law, particularly under the Gambling Scheme Act, covers all forms of gambling, whether online or land-based, without making distinctions between them. This includes various gambling activities such as casino-style games, sports betting, and lotteries. According to Section 2 of the Gambling Scheme Act, the term "gambling schemes" encompasses any activity where participants stake money and may receive a prize as a result of a random event or procedure, including a draw, guess, or chance. This broad definition also includes online gambling sites such as Wildz Casino kampanjer, where promotional offers often create opportunities for players to engage in chance-based activities.
The law interprets the condition of a "stake" broadly. For example, providing private emails or using a telephone for any payment beyond the normal rate can be seen as a form of consideration. Additionally, the law considers prizes to be anything with economic value, such as money, objects, or services. However, items of minimal value (e.g., promotional goods like mugs or t-shirts) do not qualify as winnings under the act.
When the outcome of an activity depends on chance rather than skill, it fulfills the criteria of having "total or partial chance." This is always the case with activities like lotteries, where winners are chosen based on random events. Even when a gambling activity involves a mix of skill and chance, the randomness element is enough to fulfill the condition of partial chance. Pure skill-based games, however, such as chess, do not fall under this category.
Norwegian law treats betting on the outcomes of a lottery the same as participating in the lottery itself. This includes betting on gambling outcomes, regardless of whether they are licensed, as long as the participant is over the age of 18.
2. Gambling Policy
Norwegian gambling legislation generally prohibits the marketing, distribution, or provision of any form of lottery without a license from the Norwegian Lottery and Foundation Authority, as specified in Sections 4 and 6 of the Gambling Scheme Act. This license is typically only granted to organizations with a humanitarian or socially beneficial purpose, as outlined in Section 18 of the Act.
The purpose behind Norway’s gambling monopoly is to limit gambling-related harm, such as addiction, while ensuring that gambling proceeds benefit social causes. The regulation aims to maintain gambling in a responsible and safe manner while channeling its profits towards non-profit objectives, as stipulated in Section 1 of the Gambling Scheme Act.
3. State Control and Private Enterprise
Although any organization can apply for a gambling license, the Norwegian gambling market is largely controlled by state-owned enterprises. Norsk Tipping is the exclusive legal provider of commercial casino-style games, igaming, sports betting, and other forms of wagering, while Norsk Rikstoto is the sole provider of horse race betting. These companies operate under the Norwegian gambling monopoly, ensuring that gambling activities are regulated in line with the country’s policies.
For lotteries, poker tournaments, and bingo games, organizations with a clear humanitarian or socially beneficial purpose may be granted a license to operate, but only within specific territorial boundaries. These organizations may operate on a local, regional, or national level, depending on the scope of their activities.
4. Territorial Issues
In Norway, gambling regulation operates at a national level, meaning that the laws apply across the entire country, regardless of local jurisdictions.
5. Offshore Gambling
Norwegians are legally allowed to gamble on foreign-based websites operated by international gambling companies, even if the activities offered are not fully compliant with Norwegian laws. However, the Norwegian Lottery and Foundation Authority has the authority to intervene if it suspects a foreign operator is targeting Norwegian players or circumventing national laws. This may include situations where a foreign operator, which primarily serves Norwegian customers, hosts its operations abroad to avoid Norwegian regulations but still offers Norwegian-language services or customer support.
While foreign operators may legally offer their services, the Norwegian authorities can still act to limit their operations by preventing Norwegian financial institutions and payment services from facilitating gambling-related transactions. This action is often taken to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of Norway’s gambling regulations.
