Norway’s Ministry of Culture and Equality has launched a public consultation that could pave the way for state-owned operator Norsk Tipping to offer online poker. The proposed amendments to the country’s gambling regulations are designed to combat illegal gaming and draw players back into the regulated market.
Proposed Regulations and Loss Limits
While organised poker games have been legal in Norway since 2014, they have faced strict conditions, such as bans on professional organisation, a 24-player limit, and a maximum stake of NOK1,000 ($104) per player. Under the new consultation proposals, Norsk Tipping would be permitted to offer both cash games and tournament poker.
To ensure player protection, proposed loss limits would be set at:
- Daily Limit: NOK5,000 ($519) per day
- Monthly Limit: NOK10,000 ($1,039) per month
- Under-20 Limit: NOK2,000 ($208) per month for players under 20 years of age
Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery emphasized the motivation behind the move, stating:
“We know that many Norwegians play online poker. Therefore, it is better that we get a responsible and safer offer here in Norway, rather than unregulated games at foreign, commercial gaming companies that are driven by profit.”
The public consultation is open and will run until November 29. Meanwhile, Norway’s gambling regulator noted in June that it “cannot conclude” whether the illegal market is actively growing.
