Norwegian Gamblers Turn to Online Gaming Amid Strict Laws
Gambling in Norway is complicated, and at first glance, the facts surrounding the activity seem to be contradictory. On one hand, the Norwegian government has largely banned gambling activities in the country. On the other, Norwegian gamblers are numerous. What should you know about the regulations that govern gambling in Norway—and how can you gamble if you are a citizen of the country? Let’s go over some facts.
Norway Has Strict Regulations Limiting What Norwegian Gamblers Can Do
Surprisingly, you can actually gamble from Norway, even though the government has harsh bans in place. Indeed, you can turn to online casinos and even video games as an outlet. But before we jump into that, let’s talk about the regulations.
The authority in Norway that regulates gambling is the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority. Laws that regulate gambling include the Totalisator Act of 1927, the Gaming Scheme Act of 1992, and the Lottery Act of 1995.
Legally, you can only gamble online or offline as a Norwegian citizen through Norway’s state-authorized companies, Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto.
Gambling Remains a Popular Pastime in Norway Despite the Bans
Despite the heavy regulations governing gambling in Norway, Norwegian gamblers continue to find ways to play their favorite games.
Indeed, slot machines are particularly popular; they are known as spilleautomater in Norway, and are a favorite of Norwegian gamblers. Players in Norway enjoy gambling on sites such as Unibet and betsson, where they can choose from dozens of different types of slot machines along with a variety of table games. So, the 2007 official government ban on slot machines has not done much over the long term to deter slot machine gambling in the country. It has simply forced players to become more creative.
Norwegian Players Also Use Video Games to Play Slots and Other Casino Games
While some Norwegian gamblers join online casinos to take advantage of free spins, big bonuses, and huge selections of slot games, some have found another route to enjoy their favorite casino games, and that is to play video games.
Indeed, there is a long history between video games and gambling. Gamblers who purchase loot boxes for games that include them are essentially gambling. Some people enjoy betting on esports. Single player games may feature simulated gambling for in-game cash (for example, you can play games such as poker in Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2).
Another option is playing at the casino in Grand Theft Auto Online. Rockstar added the Diamond Casino in an update in July 2019. Actually, quite a few gamblers around the world faced an immediate letdown when the update rolled out, since more than 50 countries did not allow access.
Nevertheless, the list of countries that banned the GTA Online casino did not include Norway. Norwegian gamblers that have attempted to play at the casino have reported mixed results. Since the update came out, some players in Norway have managed to successfully play at the GTA Online casino. Others have not.
Gambling in Norway is an Evolving Situation
It doesn’t seem likely that the harsh restrictions the Norwegian government sets with respect to gambling online and offline are likely to change anytime soon.
Nonetheless, gamblers in the country have become adept at wiggling around those restrictions. They seem unlikely to stop anytime soon. Online casinos as well as gambling through video games are likely to remain popular in Norway over the years to come. And who knows? Long term change is always possible. Regardless, if you are a Norwegian gambler, do your best to stay on the right side of the law. Good luck playing slots and table games through whichever platforms you choose.