EGBA calls on Norway to replace online gambling monopoly with licensing system

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has urged Norway to transition from its current gambling monopoly to a licensing system for online gambling.

In a statement, EGBA said that such a shift would align with the current European trend, as many European countries have already adopted licensing systems to prioritize "player safety within a regulatory framework that provides clear rules for companies to follow."

In addition to addressing the demand for alternative gambling options, such a move could boost tax revenue and enhance safer gambling measures by regulating more operators domestically, Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said.

🇳🇴 Our recent statement encouraging Norway's transition from a monopoly system to a licensing model for online gambling 👇#Onlinespill #Norge #iGaminghttps://t.co/Cr0jXIQv2t

— EGBA (@EUgambling) September 15, 2023

Take a look at the full statement from Haijer below:

“The belief that a monopoly model is essential for safer gambling does not align with the current European trend. Nearly every other European country has implemented some form of licensing system, successfully prioritising player safety within a regulatory framework that provides clear rules for companies to follow. In Norway, there is a clear demand for alternatives to the current gambling monopoly, as evidenced by the determination of players to actively seek out and access international websites which offer them greater choice. It is crucial for the government to recognise and respond to this demand.

Introducing a licensing system would address the demand for alternative gambling options, increase tax revenue, and enhance safer gambling measures by regulating more operators within the country. Neighbouring countries like Sweden and Finland have already recognised the benefits of transitioning from a monopoly system to a licensing model, leaving Norway as the only country in mainland Europe committed to an exclusive gambling monopoly. It is essential for the authorities to evaluate whether this approach remains relevant in the modern digital age and in comparison to the practices adopted by other European countries. We strongly urge the Norwegian authorities to consider the advantages of a licensing model, which can effectively meet the evolving needs of its players and foster a more comprehensive approach to gambling regulation that prioritizes player safety.” 

EGBA recently published its first pan-European anti-money laundering guidelines for online gambling. The publication is set to strengthen EGBA’s AML efforts by introducing a set of standards that online gambling operators should apply to ensure the highest level of compliance with the latest anti-money laundering rules in the EU.