Regulator calls for “mandatory break” in Norsk Tipping high-risk games

In its annual report for Norsk Tipping’s general meeting, Lotteritilsynet examined the degree to which the operator met its requirements as a monopoly.

The regulator said it was very satisfied with the operator. In terms of its work to channel players to its offering, its report found that the number of players on Norsk Tipping’s sites and resulting turnover increased in the past year. This included a 12% increase in turnover on non-lottery games, which compete directly with unlicensed sites.

At the same time, it said, estimates suggested the number of players on unlicensed sites had declined, with unlicensed turnover estimated to be between NOK1.8bn and NOK2.2bn. This, it said suggested great success in channelisation. 

However, Lotteritilsynet noted that this may not necessarily be due to Norsk Tipping’s own offering, but might instead be related to “regulatory work by Norwegian authorities to limit the illegal offer”.

Looking at responsible gambling meanwhile, the regulator said that “Norsk Tipping has shown that they work well when it comes to preventing gambling problems and that it takes important steps towards players who have already developed a problematic relationship with gambling”.

In particular, it said Norsk Tipping showed the ability to introduce measures such as lower loss limits quickly, cutting its monthly limit for high-risk games to NOK5,000 last year.

However, Lotteritilsynet also determined that the rules for high-risk games should be tightened further.

This includes a “mandatory break” for players after one hour of play.

The regulator will also ask Norsk Tipping to record the number of games it offers under its Kongkasino brand and explain why it would need this number of games. In addition, the operator should collaborate with horse racing monopoly Norsk Rikstoto “to create similar and relevant information about the warning signs and health damage related to excessive gambling”.

Lotteritilsynet added that “Norsk Tipping should reduce the size of jackpot winnings in Kongkasino to avoid high prizes triggering dangerous play”.