Tage Pettersen Pushes for a Regulated Gambling Market in Norway

The debate over Norway’s gambling laws is heating up. Tage Pettersen, a Høyre party member, is calling for an end to the country’s state-controlled gambling monopoly. He believes a licensed market would enhance oversight and protect players. Many Norwegians already gamble on offshore sites, making regulation crucial.

Currently, Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto are the only authorized gambling providers in Norway. Unlike most European countries, Norway has resisted opening its market to licensed operators. However, Finland has announced plans to introduce a licensing system by 2026. Pettersen argues that Norway should follow this example since the monopoly has not prevented offshore gambling.

Offshore Gambling and Lack of Oversight

In a recent Moss Avis interview, Pettersen estimated that half of Norway’s online gambling occurs on offshore platforms. These sites operate outside Norwegian law, meaning no consumer protections, responsible gambling measures, or taxation apply. As a result, many players lack access to self-exclusion tools or intervention programs.

Pettersen believes a licensing model would improve oversight. He points to Sweden and Denmark, where shifting from a monopoly to a regulated market increased player protections. Both countries introduced national self-exclusion registers, helping players control their gambling across all licensed operators. Norway lacks this safeguard.

Gambling Reform Gaining Political Momentum

Norway reportedly has one of the highest problem gambling rates in Europe. However, Pettersen argues that the real numbers are unclear due to offshore gambling. Without reliable data, measuring the impact of current policies is difficult.

He highlights Sweden’s Spelpaus program, where over 110,000 players have self-excluded from gambling. Denmark and Finland have similar systems, ensuring safer gambling environments. Pettersen suggests that Norway could implement a comparable structure under a licensing model.

Upcoming Elections and Market Liberalization

The September 2025 elections could be decisive for Norway’s gambling industry. The Høyre party has officially proposed market liberalization. Meanwhile, the Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill (NBO), a gambling trade association, expects a competitive market by 2028.

A licensed gambling market would bring major changes:

• Stronger Regulation – Operators must follow responsible gambling measures, tax laws, and advertising restrictions.
• More Tax Revenue – Gambling taxes and licensing fees would stay in Norway rather than benefiting offshore companies.
• Better Consumer Protection – A national self-exclusion system would help vulnerable players control their gambling.

Despite this, opponents argue that a monopoly better prevents gambling-related harm and limits exposure to aggressive marketing. Supporters counter that regulation improves transparency, increases oversight, and strengthens consumer protections.

Will Norway Follow Sweden, Denmark, and Finland?

Norway’s decision on gambling regulation will have significant consequences. If the monopoly remains, offshore platforms will continue attracting Norwegian players. This would weaken government efforts to enforce responsible gambling measures.

However, if Norway adopts a licensing model, international operators could enter the market. This shift would increase competition, introduce compliance requirements, and reshape industry marketing.

With political discussions growing, Norway’s gambling future remains uncertain. However, with more countries adopting a regulated system, a competitive Norwegian gambling market may not be far off.