The Ministry launched its consultation in June to consolidate the country’s Lottery Act, Gambling Act, and Totalisator Act into a single regulatory framework, aiming to enhance legal compliance.
Loteritilsynet, in response, suggested adding a provision to restrict all forms of gambling to players with accounts at legal providers, in order to improve player protection standards.
Furthermore, Lotteritilsynet recommended explicitly prohibiting direct competition to the state-owned operators due to the potential risks associated with online casino games and the need for comprehensive player protection controls.
The regulator also advocated for more flexibility for small non-profit organizations to offer gambling without a license, proposing that businesses with turnover below NOK200,000 should be allowed to operate digital platforms.
Additionally, Lotteritilsynet supported granting Norsk Rikstoto the option to include fixed-odds race betting products in its portfolio to discourage engagement with illegal operators.
However, the regulator called for more clarity on the power to block access to offshore gambling sites and whether they should engage operators with a cease and desist request before issuing a blocking order.
The consultation sought feedback on loot boxes as a potential form of gambling, with Lotteritilsynet stating that further regulations should be established specifically for these cases.
While the Ministry of Culture’s consultation concluded on 29 September, the legislation remains under a standstill period mandated by the European Commission until 13 November.
