In a recent announcement, Norway’s gambling regulator, Lotteritilsynet, has successfully compelled a group of gambling operators to cease their illegal activities within the country. This decisive action marks a significant step towards enforcing stringent gambling regulations in Norway.
Operators Forced to Fold
Lotteritilsynet disclosed that a total of 15 gambling operators are currently in the process of exiting the Norwegian market voluntarily. While not all operators were named, the regulatory body specifically referred to Kindred, the gaming and betting giant, as “the company behind Unibet.”
Alongside Kindred, other prominent operators like bet365, Come On, Betsson, Betsafe, and Nordicbet have also confirmed their withdrawal from the Norwegian gambling market. Several lesser-known gaming sites, including Bingo, Major Player, Maria Casino, Norway’s vending machine, CasinoEuro, The People’s Republic, Mobile Bet, GetLucky, and The Mobile Vending Machine, are set to follow suit.
End of a Legal Battle
The catalyst for these withdrawals was Kindred’s protracted legal battle to maintain its foothold in the Norwegian market. In 2019, the Norwegian gambling regulator ordered Kindred’s subsidiary, Trannel, to cease its services for Norwegian customers. Trannel, the company responsible for brands such as Bingo and Unibet, challenged this directive, leading to a lengthy legal dispute.
However, in June of the previous year, the Oslo District Court ruled in favor of the regulator, warning Trannel of daily fines unless it departed from the market. Despite Trannel’s efforts to contest the fines, the Borgarting Court of Appeal rejected their complaint in June this year. Consequently, the recent announcement suggests the end of a protracted and contentious legal battle.
Regulatory Success
Lotteritilsynet asserts that the departure of these illegal operators signifies the effectiveness of its regulations. The regulator cites the success of payment processing restrictions and bans on illegal TV advertising as key factors that have discouraged illegal gambling companies from operating in Norway.
Henrik Nordal, director of Lotteritilsynet, highlights the significance of these developments, emphasizing that the companies in question had been offering their services without the necessary permissions, contributing to problem gambling within the country. The exit of these operators is expected to mitigate these issues and promote a safer and more responsible gambling environment in Norway.
A Brighter Future for Norway’s Regulated Market
As the illegal operators exit the Norwegian market, Henrik Nordal predicts a more promising future for the regulated gambling market in Norway. The removal of unlicensed operators is expected to enhance the overall health of the industry by ensuring that only legal and responsible gambling options are available to Norwegian consumers.
In conclusion, Norway’s gambling regulator has taken decisive action to rid the market of illegal operators, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enforce gambling regulations. With a more controlled and responsible gambling landscape on the horizon, Norwegian consumers can look forward to a safer and more secure gaming experience.
