Lotteri-og Stiftelsestilsynet, the Norwegian gambling regulator, is calling for new limits on casino games and the institution of loss limits at Norsk Tipping. It’s a move that was inspired by the state-run operator’s record high turnover and new customer growth over the course of the pandemic.
According to a report on iGamingBusiness.com, lawmakers were somewhat surprised at the growth experienced by both Norsk Tipping, the state-run online casino and sportsbook operators, and Norsk Rikstoto, the state-run horse racing operation. “There may be several reasons for the growth. One of the reasons may be that people through the corona pandemic have had more free time due to restrictions in leisure activities,” said one regulator who is working on the issue.
In a report made available to the public, officials said, “In light of that growth, Lotteri-og Stiftelsestilsynet called for changes in the number of casino games made available and the amount that players can lose. Lotteri-og Stiftelsestilsynet has in particular assessed casino gaming and (Norsk Tipping’s sportsbook) Oddsen against requirements for responsible gaming, and we have asked the company to strengthen measures to reduce gaming activity and turnover among risky players. Among other things, we have proposed reducing the availability and reducing the number of games at (online casino) Kongkasino. Furthermore, we ask Norsk Tipping to consider introducing a loss limit for Oddsen.”
Norway is just one of many European countries that are taking a closer look at online gambling regulations and how they may need to be tightened in the pandemic, and post-pandemic, world.