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Lotteritilsynet, the Norway gambling regulator, has ordered the ISPS to block 57 websites it believes are operating illegally in the country.
The blocked sites are associated with approximately 23 different companies, highlighting the extent of illegal operations that the regulator is addressing. The blocking mechanism employed redirects users attempting to access these prohibited sites to a page created by their internet service provider.
The page also informs users that while the site they were trying to visit is illegal, they themselves are not committing any offense by attempting to gamble there. Lotteritilsynet announced the blocks yesterday (Apr 1), stating that it was part of its ongoing plans to eliminate the unregulated gaming market in Norway.
“Blocking illegal websites will help fewer people develop gambling problems,” she said. “These are the games that have the highest risk. They are designed to get you hooked, and you can lose a lot of money in a short time,” said Silje Sægrov Amble, a Lotteritilsynet lawyer.
Blocking to Be Used Along With Other Techniques
The recent round of website blocking follows a warning issued last autumn by Lotteritilsynet to nearly 50 companies, informing them that their websites could face restrictions. Out of approximately 100 websites operated by these companies, nearly 40 have since chosen to withdraw from the Norwegian market in response to the warning.
While the identities of the blocked websites have not been disclosed, it has been confirmed that several notable companies opted to exit following the initial alert. Amble stated that the blocking strategy is just one component of a multi-faced approach to combat illegal gambling in the country.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to be an illegal gambling company in Norway. There are several reasons for this. TV advertising is gone, and Norwegian banks are stopping bets and winnings to and from these companies.”
This coordinated effort, she says, is intended to make it increasingly difficult for unlicensed operators to attract players within Norway. Currently, there is a ban on gambling advertisements on TV and restrictions on financial transactions with Norwegian banks.
Calls for More Regulatory Authority
Despite the measures implemented to regulate illegal gambling, significant challenges persist. Recent surveys conducted by Sentio reveal that approximately 50% of Norwegians are unaware of which operators are authorized to provide gambling services. This lack of awareness poses a barrier to effective consumer protection within the market.
Silje Sægrov Amble acknowledges that additional efforts are necessary and has called on the government to grant more regulatory powers to the Lotteritilsynet to help in its fight against unlicensed betting operators.
“Players do not know about the risk,” she said. “We believe most people want information that they are entering an illegal game. Therefore, blocking is also an information measure.”
As the situation evolves, Norway is set to become the last country in Scandinavia with a state monopoly on gambling. Currently, only Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto are permitted to offer gambling services. However, some opposition politicians, including Tage Pettersen from the conservative party Høyre, have expressed support for opening up the market, suggesting a potential shift in the gambling landscape.
Source: iGamingBusiness
