Norway merge gambling laws as problem gambling rates rise. According to SBC News, the Ministry of Culture of Norway has stated its support for a consultation, providing the basis for a new bill to combine the three existing gambling laws of Norway. The goal is to integrate the gambling laws of the country into one legislative structure.
Minister of Culture Abid Raja stresses that the proposed amendments are not intended to reform the current gambling monopolies, but rather to remove the inefficiencies in their governance. There are actually three independent government departments overseeing them.
If implemented, a new legislative framework will subject Norway’s gambling monopolies, Norsk Tipping and Rikstoto, to stricter state controls.
The consultation will also enforce new advertising laws, seeking to deny access to advertising on the Norwegian market by unlicensed betting operators. This is something TV viewers will testify has long been circumvented under existing legislation.
The decision comes to effect following a newly released study showing the rise of Norway’s problem gambling despite the country’s already strict gambling regulations.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), commented “These research findings are worrying and prove Norway’s gambling monopoly is not protecting its citizens. Gamblers tend to shop around for the best betting odds or bonuses and, if they are faced with restricted choices, they will simply look elsewhere to find them.”
[image: Jarand K. Løkeland]
