Norway Considers Legalizing Online Poker with Norsk Tipping

Norway is exploring the legalization of online poker through Norsk Tipping, aiming to regulate the growing interest in the game and protect players. The Ministry of Culture and Equality has proposed changes to gambling regulations to allow Norsk Tipping to offer online poker and establish a player protection framework.

The state-owned Norwegian government-administered gambling and lottery operator, Norsk Tipping, may soon grow its offering with the addition of online poker. A survey by the University of Bergen from 2022 identified that nearly 90,000 residents in the country engage with poker games online annually. The state-owned gambling operator estimated that the real number of online poker players in Norway may be between 100,000 and 150,000 every year.

Norway’s Ministry of Culture and Equality rolled out a consultation on online poker, proposing that Norsk Tipping offer the activity. The Ministry also seeks to introduce player protection rules, including, among other things, maximum bet limits, loss limits, and cool-off periods. Lubna Jaffery, the country’s Culture and Equality Minister, acknowledged the government is aware that many Norwegians like online poker. The government’s most valuable tool to ensure responsible gambling and entertainment is present in poker is achieved via the exclusive rights model.