Foreign operators face stricter rules in Norway

International gaming operators active in Norway could face tougher regulations under proposed legislation by the government and other political parties.

Last week, Norway’s national gambling regulator Lotteri-og Stiftelsestilsynet opened a consultation into proposals to restrict companies that are licensed on an international basis from accessing the domestic market.

This includes clarification on laws that require local financial institutions to block any transactions that involve unauthorised online gaming brands.

State-owned Nosrk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, both of which are based in the country, are the only companies that are not impacted by these laws.

The move comes after the government in December announced plans to close a loophole that enables foreign operators to advertise on Norwegian television, despite Nosrk Tipping and Rikstoto the only companies legally allowed to do so.

The consultation is due to run until August 15.

Meanwhile, a coalition of political parties has secured a mandate demanding the government introduce stricter gambling rules.

According to VG, the measures include granting Lotteri-og Stiftelsestilsynet new powers to probe companies that allow unauthorised sites to both advertise and market their services, as well as impose financial penalties on these firms.

The coalition is also keen to commence IP blocking of foreign operators and for the regulator to monitor banking transactions in order to identify activity with unauthorised companies.

Reports in the country suggest the restrictions could come into effect as early as next month.

Related article: Norway targets ban on foreign betting advertisers