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Have you ever looked into some of the rules and regulations around online gambling in different countries? For Norway in particular, after browsing through, you may think that the people there can barely do anything.
The laws for gambling online in Norway seem fairly strict. On paper, it would look that Norwegian gamblers don't have any options. For the longest time, most types of gambling were considered illegal. Plus, with Norway not being in the EU, there wasn't the same push to legalise and regulate gambling as with other countries.
Legally, there are only two places Norwegians can gamble online. These two sites have total monopoly control over Norway's lottery, games, and sports betting. Technically speaking, Norwegians aren't supposed to use anything else, including foreign gambling sites. The downfall to these local sites is that the odds typically are quite low, the choices for gambling are limited, and the technology is not the same as other companies.
So, on paper, you would say the online gambling situation in Norway is pretty dire. There are only two places to go, and their selection for gambling isn't anything spectacular.
The reality of the situation though is entirely different. Since the last law put in place in 2008 which made using foreign gambling sites illegal in Norway, it hasn't stopped residents from using other gambling sites and going on foreign websites. That is because there isn't anything really happening.
Many offshore bookmakers and other online casinos will still accept Norwegian customers. Where these websites are located, they are perfectly legal to operate and for customers to use.
With all this said, does that mean it's smooth sailing for any Norwegian that wants to gamble on a foreign online casino? Not exactly.
In 2010, Norway introduced the Payment Act of Norway. The Payment Act is considered to be Norway's version of the United States Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The latest law is meant to stop banks and payment processors from doing any kind of business with foreign and offshore online gambling websites and companies.
Although the Payment Act isn't directed at individual Norwegian residents, they are the ones that get affected by it. If there are any issues you may come in contact with, it will most likely be because of this law - where your credit card deposits get declined. With no credit card deposit, you won't be able to put any money in your gambling account to play.
Many are against the current laws around online gambling in Norway, thinking that it is only a way to bring more revenue to the government. Their response, though, is that the laws are necessary due to "public health" concerns.
Is Norway fighting a losing battle? It's hard to say. However, that isn't going to stop them from trying. With a new gaming regulatory chief in office who has a law degree, things are likely to heat up a bit.
