Nordic Affiliates has become the first affiliate member of the Norwegian Online Gambling Trade Organization (NBO). This group advocates for the end of Norway's gambling monopoly and for creating a system more in line with those in other markets.
The organization also aims to increase understanding of the unregulated online gambling market in the country, which currently has state-run monopolies for online casino gaming and horse racing. Havard Lehn, a co-founder of Nordic Affiliates, believes that regulation of the Norwegian gambling market is necessary for both the industry and society. NBO Secretary-General Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm also sees a regulated market open to private operators as inevitable but emphasizes the need for more companies to engage in the process.
Recent developments
In Norway, the state-run lottery company Norsk Tipping is the only entity allowed to offer online casino gambling. At the same time, Norsk Rikstoto has the exclusive rights to accept bets on horse racing. Norsk Rikstoto's exclusive license has recently been extended to 2032. In a recent development, the Norwegian regulator Lotteritilsynet has put on hold the daily fines it had been imposing on Unibet operator Kindred, who it accused of accepting Norwegian players. This action is part of an ongoing dispute between the operator and the Norwegian regulator.
About The Norwegian Online Gambling Regulation Authority (NBO)
The Norwegian Online Gambling Regulation Authority (NBO) aims to establish a reliable and sustainable licensing system for the Norwegian online gambling market. To achieve this goal, the NBO will improve the knowledge and understanding of all stakeholders involved in developing a national regulatory framework for online gaming. The NBO will advocate for the views and positions of its members and the association to politicians, civil servants, interest groups, the media, and the general public. We encourage other gaming operators to join us in supporting a responsible licensing model that prioritizes channelization for the benefit of players, operators, and the general public.