IBIA Partners with Norway to End Monopoly and Promote Betting Integrity

In a significant move, the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming (NBO) have recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the realm of regulation and betting integrity. The primary goal of this partnership is to establish a collaborative framework that fosters a safe and effective licensing and regulatory system. Both IBIA and NBO are committed to enhancing specific provisions related to betting integrity in Norway.

This partnership also brings with it a collective call for Norway to abandon its current gambling monopoly system. Currently, Norsk Tipping holds the exclusive rights for online casino gaming and sports betting, while Norsk Rikstoto governs horse racing. Several organizations, including the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), are echoing the demand to dismantle the monopoly system and open the doors to other approved operators.

Norway remains one of the few European countries clinging to a state gambling monopoly. Neighboring Finland has committed to transitioning to a licensing model by 2026, following the footsteps of Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.

Upon formalizing the MoU, IBIA and NBO referenced forecasts from H2 Gambling Capital concerning illegal gambling in Norway. Shockingly, it is projected that 43% of the country's online betting revenue in 2024 will be conducted through offshore channels. This statistic raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the monopoly system.

Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm, the General Secretary of NBO, emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach, stating, "Increasingly strong signals indicate that the Norwegian monopoly is not the most effective solution for consumer protection or industry integrity. To establish the best possible framework, the gambling offering must be viewed comprehensively and regulated accordingly."

IBIA CEO Khalid Ali expressed support for NBO's efforts to challenge the existing monopoly, emphasizing the importance of responsible regulated betting operators and the need for effective sports betting integrity provisions in Norway.

This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the effort to reform Norway's gambling landscape, aiming to create a fair and transparent betting environment while combatting illegal gambling activities.