The Norwegian Gaming Authority (Lotteritilsynet) has issued 23 new licences for postcode lotteries and a single licence for a recycling lottery, marking a continued expansion of the regulated market outside the state monopoly. These licences will be valid from March 1, 2026, to February 2035.
Successful applicants for the postcode lotteries include major charitable organizations such as SOS Children’s Villages, WWF, and Norwegian Church Aid. These groups will partner with Norsk Postkodelotteriet to operate the draws. Under the terms of the licence, 50% of the turnover after winnings must be distributed among the licensees.
Recycling Lottery Awarded
The regulator, Lotteritilsynet also awarded the sole licence for the “Pantelotteriet” recycling lottery to the Norwegian Red Cross. This system allows consumers to exchange recycled bottles and cans for lottery tickets at automated machines found in supermarkets.
“At least 50% of total turnover after winnings are deducted will go to the Norwegian Red Cross,” the regulations specify.
Monopoly Under Pressure
Despite these new licences, Norway remains one of the few European nations to maintain a state gambling monopoly held by Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto. This model is facing increasing political pressure, particularly from the Progress Party, which advocates for a licensing system similar to Sweden and Finland.
Progress Party MP Silje Hjemdal:
“We are one of very few countries left that have this [remote gambling] model. We must regulate better, and the way the model is today, there are actually very large sums of money that are sent out of the country every year, without going back to Norwegian sports or culture.”
Recent regulatory fines against Norsk Tipping for self-exclusion failings have further fueled calls for market reform.
