Norway launches 4-year plan to fight match-fixing in sports

Norway’s gambling regulator has launched a new four-year strategy to combat match-fixing in sports. In a statement released this week, the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority (Lottstift) said that the plan is designed to clearly delineate responsibilities among all relevant stakeholders. 

The plan, titled “Combating Manipulation of Sports Competitions – A Strategy Plan 2025–2028”, outlines clear roles for all involved parties, including the police, Ministry of Culture, Norwegian Football and Trotting Associations, and licensed betting companies.

“We need to increase knowledge and awareness about the regulations on manipulation in sports competitions,” said Eirik Tysse, Senior Advisor at Lottstift. He added that the effort aligns with growing international collaboration against match-fixing.

New national legislation is in progress to support the initiative, focusing on data sharing and defining the responsibilities of a new national platform. Over the next four years, stakeholders will evaluate whether additional legislative measures are needed to strengthen their ability to prevent and detect manipulation in sports.

Sporting bodies and betting operators have agreed to report suspicious activity to Lottstift. Law enforcement and government agencies have pledged to intervene when necessary. Joint efforts will also focus on launching public awareness campaigns and conducting regular risk assessments to monitor emerging threats.

Lottstift noted that the country’s anti-match-fixing initiatives began in earnest with its first National Action Plan for 2013–2015. Since then, it has introduced coach training programs that include match-fixing education and established international networks to support information sharing. Norway is also cooperating with the Council of Europe on broader initiatives against sports manipulation.

As for other regulatory actions, earlier this month, Lottstift blocked 57 illegal gambling websites. And in 2024, the government introduced new rules for bingo operators, including loss limits and mandatory registration.