Tourists can gamble in Norway at their homes.
Norway is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination. Most tourists visit Norway for its incredible forests, mountains, and fjords. While other tourists enjoy watching the whales in Norway, sleigh rides, and the rich Sami culture, amongst other things, If you’re the type of tourist who has an interest in gambling, the gambling scene in Norway may come as a culture shock.
Norway has a rigid and strict gambling law, such that it’s rare to walk down the street to find a casino. The reason for this is because the state wants to reduce the betting output of the population. While the gambling laws in Norway may seem prohibitive at face value, there are ways Norwegians get around them, and tourists can take advantage of them to bet on their favourite gambling activity.
How is gambling regulated in Norway
The gambling industry in Norway is regulated by the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority. Gambling providers must obtain a licence from the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority to operate in the region. However, getting a licence can be incredibly difficult for private online operators to obtain. However, at Betpack, you can find some of those private online casinos offering incredible gambling activities.
Gambling in Norway is legal, although previously, according to the 298 and 299 of the Norwegian Penal Code of 1902, some gambling activities were prohibited, especially those where the main factor affecting the win was luck. Later in the 20th century, three acts were introduced, offering some exceptions to the strict ban. Their newer gambling acts are:
The Totalisator Act of 1927
The Totalisator Act is an act passed on January 1, 1927. The summary of the act is to regulate horse racing and other related betting activities. The act also prescribes that private gambling operators will require authorization from the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority to operate in Norway.
The Gaming Scheme Act of 1992
The Gaming Scheme Act is similar to the Totalisation Act, but it was passed into law on August 28, 1992. The act summarises that Norsk Tipping has the exclusive right to operate gaming schemes in the region. These gambling activities include sports betting and other competitive betting that is not governed by other acts.
The Lottery Act of 1995
Furthermore, the Lottery Act, passed into law on February 24, 1995, is a provision targeted at the lottery industry. The act prohibits private operators from offering lottery gambling to the public without proper authorization from the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority. As a general rule, the licence is only granted to organisations with socially beneficial and humanitarian purposes, where the proceeds are distributed for said purpose.
A guide to land-based and online platforms
Gambling in Norway, like in most European countries, is categorised into land-based and online platforms. There aren’t many land-based gambling platforms, but you will find a handful of online platforms. Remember to gamble online; then, you’ll need reliable internet connectivity, which Esimatic streamlines getting one.
Norsk tipping
If you’re craving exhilarating adventures to have in Norway, Norsk Tipping is a state-owned gambling establishment you can consider gambling at when you visit Norway. Founded in 1948 by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture, Norsk Tipping offers a wide range of gambling activities, from the lottery to sports betting and instant games.
Also, Norsk Tipping offers TV games, extracts, and many more exhilarating games. In 2001, Norsk Tipping launched its online gambling platform, and in 2005, it started offering its games via mobile devices. It’s legal and safe to gamble at Norsk Tipping, as it is licensed.
Norsk Rikstoto
Norsk Rikstoto is another state-owned gambling establishment you can consider gambling at to pass the time. Norsk Rikstoto was launched in 1982 by the Norwegian Jockey Club and the Norwegian Trotting Association. This foundation oversees gambling on animal racing in Norway. Previously, Norsk Tipping administered such games up until 1983, when Norsk Rikstoto was formed.
So, if you are a tourist interested in gambling on sports like horse racing, dog racing, and so on, then Norsk Rikstoto is the destination to get all the excitement. Note that the Norsk Rikstoto is limited to equine racing for now. Peradventure, more animal racing sports will be incorporated into the platform in the coming future.
Other private online gambling platforms
The most common place many tourists go to gamble in Norway is on private online gambling platforms. While Norway does not have as many gambling platforms compared to other regions, you’ll find more online platforms than land-based ones. Some of the state’s licensed online gambling platforms include KongKasino and Norsk Bingo, to name a few. And at these private online gambling platforms, players get the luxury of accessing more gambling games.
Furthermore, the loophole that makes online gambling platforms incredibly popular in Norway is that tourists can access international gambling platforms. Also, foreigners will find making payments on these gambling platforms easier since they already possess foreign currencies. For locals, making payments on international gambling platforms can be a bit tricky, as the 2010 gambling law forbids Norwegian banks from processing transactions on unlicensed gaming platforms, such as international platforms, without a licence from the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority.
At home
Finally, tourists can gamble in Norway at their homes. Organising a private gambling party at home is legal in Norway. As long as the gambling party is not commercialised, individuals can wager their money in a friendly competition. Although it can be difficult to find gambling parties to attend, as most are strictly by invitation.
Nevertheless, tourists can, through association with the locals, find out where they can catch the thrills of gambling at one of these parties. Attending such an event can alleviate the travel experience, allowing you to connect with the locals and learn about their diverse cultures. And in the process, you can create core memories and friends that will last a lifetime.
