More and more European countries have come to terms with the fact that online gambling legalization can be a source of a decent revenue. Passionate players tend to neglect the prohibitions and as a result, they seek foreign casinos where they can play their favourite games. Despite the tendency for growth of the European online gambling sector, Norway cannot be defined as a country willing to take any actions in that direction.
On the contrary, it is known as one of the countries where gambling activities are strictly controlled and heavy financial penalties are imposed on those who violate the laws.
Actually, the idea for reviewing the outdated gambling-related laws was put forward in 2014 but unfortunately, it did not lead to a change. Yet, sooner or later, Norway has to pay closer attention to the gambling legislation matters. Although the country is not supposed to make the laws compatible with the requirements of the European Commission, it still needs to keep in track with the fast development of the gambling segment in Europe.
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The final decision made by the Norwegian authorities was to keep the monopoly of the two companies that are legally allowed to provide services in Norway instead of opening the market for foreign operators. Currently, Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping are the two operators that have the right to operate on Norwegian soil. Any other form of gambling is regarded as illegal. Norwegian gambling laws are so stern that even if you organize a party at home and the activities include gambling, this is considered a crime.
Operators Allowed to Provide Gambling Services in Norway
As mentioned above, Norway-based players can take advantage of the gambling products and services provided by Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping.
Norsk Rikstoto is a company, established back in 1982 with the aim of becoming a leading provider of a totalizator game. That venture was a huge success given the popularity it has accumulated as well as the impact it has on the Norwegian gambling matters. Today, Norsk Rikstoto is one of the monopolists on the Norwegian gambling scene and it is in charge of the regulation of animal racing activities. No other company is allowed to accept online wagers for horse racing events as well.
The other company given the right to operate in Norway is Norsk Tipping. It is known as the Norwegian national lottery. It was founded in 1948 and since then, it has undergone considerable development. Today, Norsk Tipping offers various gambling-related products including lottery and sports betting. Norsk Tipping is the gambling operator that is allowed to monitor poker websites.
Norway seems reluctant to amend the gambling laws anytime soon, although Norwegian officials made some efforts towards reviewing the outdated rules and regulations.
Anyway, there are three pieces of legislation that prove the right of Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping to provide gambling products and services on the territory of Norway. These are the Norwegian Penal Code of 1902, the Gaming Act of 1992 and the Lottery Act of 1995.
Despite the heavy restrictions imposed on Norway-based players, they seek ways to be able to take part in their favourite casino games. The number of online casinos welcoming international players and Norwegians, in particular, is growing. However, for the time being, Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping remain the absolute monopolists on the Norwegian market.
Norwegian Gambling Regulator
Members of the Norwegian Gambling Authority are responsible for overseeing the gambling activities in Norway. They are also in charge of solving gambling issues and monitoring all kinds of games based on luck including lotteries, horse racing and sports betting, slots, etc.
The Norwegian Gambling Authority is responsible for preventing illegal gambling activities from taking place and keep the negative factors of gambling such as gambling addiction, to the minimum. Apart from that, the Gambling Authority is also in charge of the monetary issues. It oversees how gambling revenue is spent.
Mobile Gambling Options
It seems like the reluctance of Norwegian authorities to legalize does not have much impact on the desire of Norwegians to take part in gambling activities. Actually, the majority of online casinos that accept players from Norway provide them with mobile gambling options and live dealer casinos as well. Norway-based players are given access to some of the most prestigious international casino websites via their smartphones.
Is the Acceptance of Norwegian Players Legal?
While in the past a lot of attention was paid to real money games that take place offline, today both online and offline gambling activities are a subject to detailed monitoring. Some people familiar with the matter consider it somehow unnatural to have only two gambling companies in Norway given the fast development of the remote gambling sector worldwide. As already mentioned, Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping are the two operators enabled to provide lottery, sports betting, horse racing, instant win games, etc.
Back in 2008, Norwegian gambling authorities prohibited Norwegian citizens from betting at offshore gambling websites. As a result, there is no bank institution in Norway allowed to process transactions to and from gambling websites. In other words, Norwegian residents are not allowed to transfer funds from their personal bank accounts to foreign casino websites. Norwegian authorities even announced that they will block the access to such kind of websites but for now, their ISPs are not blocked, which means they are accessible from Norway. Most foreign casino websites are absolutely secure and they do accept NOK as a deposit currency. Since no bank is allowed to process transactions to offshore gambling websites, the majority of players opt for payment processors such as Neteller or prepaid cards like PaySafeCard.
Latest statistics show that foreign casino operators take approximately $170 million from Norway annually. If gambling was legal, that amount would go to the country’s coffers. However, the authorities are unwilling to review the possible alternatives and protect the monopoly of Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping.
NOK Deposits and Withdrawals
Despite the prohibition for accessing foreign casino websites, passionate players have found a way for taking part in casino games, provided by leading casinos. Most of them accept Norwegian players and support the Norwegian language as well as NOK currency.
Most Norwegian banks would reject a deposit or withdrawal request to an online casino but foreign operators provide Norwegian players with a number of convenient banking options so deposits and withdrawals are not a bother.
Deposit methods for Norwegian players
Norwegian players are enabled to choose a wide number of deposit and withdrawal options. They might not be allowed to opt for direct bank transfer but VISA, MasterCard and several e-wallets seem like a sensible choice.
Apart from VISA and MasterCard, the e-wallets players can take advantage of are Skrill, Neteller, EcoCard, Prepaid cards such as PaysafeCard are also widely popular. Some casinos that accept Norwegian players event grant a 10% or 15% bonus for using a certain payment method.
How to Find a Legitimate Online Casino
Finding a reliable online casino can be a challenging mission. Norwegian gambling market is quite appealing for international operators and as a result, players have a great number of options to choose from. However, before picking up an online casino, you have to make sure it is a trustworthy one. There are certain details you have to take into account if you want to have trouble-free gambling experience.
Take your time and read the terms and conditions. Pay attention to the number of times you have to wager your deposit before being awarded a bonus, what are the deposit and withdrawal options, etc.
Beware of the jurisdiction that has issued a license to the casino. It is a well-known fact that the most reliable casinos are usually granted a license by the Government of Gibraltar, Malta Gaming Authority, the Curacao Internet Gaming Association, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Gambling Supervision Commission.
Don’t forget to check which is the software provider of the casino you have settled for. The most prestigious casinos that take pride in having thousands of users are powered by leaders on the global gaming scene such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, Betsoft.
Casinos Accepting NOK Currency
Below, you will find a brief review of five of the leading online casinos that welcome Norwegian players. All of them accept NOK currency, which is considered an advantage given the fact you will not be required to pay a currency conversion fee or opt for playing in another currency.
Casino Cruise
Casino Cruise cannot be defined as a casino that has a long history but it emerged as a reliable and profitable gambling spot. It is powered by some of the best providers of casino products and services and the great selection of slots, table games and live dealer casino exceeds the expectations of every demanding player.
If you are willing to feel the gripping atmosphere and get onboard for an exciting adventure, you just have to deposit funds into your Casino Cruise account. In case you are based in Norway, you have the following deposit options: WebMoney, EcoCard, Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard.
You will not be supposed to pay a currency conversion fee as NOK is among the accepted currencies.
Betway
If you are willing to download a top Microgaming-powered casino, Betway is definitely a wise choice. It features an incredible collection of slot and table games and welcomes international players and Norwegians in particular. You cannot miss the live dealer casino as well. Betway is heaven for players keen on slots and table games of the utmost quality.
The casino accepts Norway-based players and provides them with a wide range of functionalities as well as attractive deposit bonuses.
In order to qualify for that, you have to top up your Betway account. That’s possible via one of the following payment processors: Skrill, Paysafecard, VISA, Neteller, gift cards, EcoCard.
Betway accepts Norwegian currency, which is considered a great advantage.
Mr Green
Mr Green is among the trustworthy online casinos that accept Norwegian players and provide them with high quality casino products, courtesy of NetEnt and Betsoft. Since the top priority of Mr Green is ensuring the best casino games for its players no compromises are made with security and the variety of available deposit and withdrawal methods.
Norway-based players are enabled to use VISA, Neteller, Trustly, PaySafeCard, Skrill. Mr Green guarantees that all payment options the casino offers are absolutely secure and you can count on trouble-free transactions.
Mr Green is available in Norwegian language and it accepts NOK.
32Red
32Red is known as one on the longest-running online casinos and during the years, it has successfully created a network of hundreds loyal customers who appreciate the high-quality Microgaming-powered games as well as the variety of payment options they can use for depositing funds and withdrawing casino winnings.
The accepted payment methods are Neteller, PaySafeCard, EcoCard. The mobile gambling option gives you access to your favourite 32Red games from any location. 32Red’s long-standing reputation, the well-informed customer support and clear terms and conditions make it a great choice for every passionate player.
32Red accepts Norway-based players and accepts NOK currency.
bet365
bet365 is, without a doubt, one of the most popular and reputable online casinos on a global scale. It offers a wide range of gambling services including casino games, sports betting, etc. Norwegian players are welcome to take advantage of all functionalities and enjoy themselves with the exciting games, powered by Playtech. As for the deposit and withdrawal methods, bet365 provides them with a great number of payment processors to choose from.
Apart from the internationally accepted VISA and Mastercard, Norway-based players can also deposit via Neteller, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap.
bet365 accepts NOK currency and in case you opt for a payment processor that does not feature a withdrawal option, you can always rely on a courteous customer support agent to recommend you the fastest and least expensive withdrawal option.
