Norway regulator orders blocking of 57 illegal websites

Norway’s Gambling Regulator, Lotteritilsynet, Takes Bold Steps Against Illegal Online Gambling

In a significant move towards combating unlicensed online gambling, Norway’s regulatory authority, Lotteritilsynet, has ordered the blocking of 57 websites deemed to be operating outside the legal framework of the country. This action, announced on April 1, marks the first round of a comprehensive crackdown on illegal gambling practices that threaten the integrity of the national market.

According to Lotteritilsynet, 23 companies are implicated in operating these blocked websites. This decisive enforcement action underlines the regulator’s commitment to ensuring a safe and responsible gambling environment for Norwegian citizens.

The DNS blocking mechanism employed by Lotteritilsynet redirects users attempting to access these illegal sites to a page hosted by their internet service provider. This informational page clarifies that while the site is illegal, consumers are not violating any laws by attempting to gamble on it. This method emphasizes the regulator’s aim not only to restrict access but also to educate players about potential legal and financial pitfalls.

Silje Sægrov Amble, a lawyer at Lotteritilsynet, highlighted the potential benefits of blocking illegal websites in addressing gambling-related harm across Norway. “By preventing access to these unregulated sites, we can reduce the incidence of gambling addiction,” she stated. “These illegal platforms often feature games with high engagement levels designed to ensnare players, resulting in significant financial losses within a short span.”

Regulatory Pressure Causes Market Exits

The recent blocking initiative follows a warning issued last autumn to nearly 50 companies regarding their impending removal from the Norwegian market. From a pool of approximately 100 websites linked to these operators, nearly 40 have since ceased operations in Norway. Notably, several prominent companies were among those that opted to withdraw following Lotteritilsynet’s initial warning.

Amble pointed out that the combination of website blocking and additional enforcement strategies has been increasingly effective in complicating the operations of illegal gambling entities targeting the Norwegian populace. “The landscape is shifting for illegal gambling operations in Norway,” she noted. “The cessation of TV advertising combined with increased scrutiny from financial institutions, which are now blocking transactions related to these unlicensed operators, is making it significantly harder for them to thrive.”

Addressing Consumer Confusion and Regulatory Gaps

Despite these advances, Amble lamented the ongoing confusion among consumers regarding the legality of online gambling platforms. Citing recent surveys conducted by Sentio, approximately 50% of Norwegians remain unaware of which operators are legally authorized to offer gambling services in the country. This lack of clarity poses a substantial barrier to consumer protection.

In light of these findings, Amble advocates for enhanced regulatory powers to monitor the online gambling landscape more effectively and to combat illegal operators. “Many players lack awareness of the risks associated with unlicensed gambling activities,” she remarked. “We believe that the majority of individuals would prefer to receive clear information about the legality of the games they are engaging with. Consequently, the blocking initiative serves as both a preventive measure and an educational tool.”

In summary, Lotteritilsynet’s proactive measures reflect a determined effort to foster a secure gambling environment in Norway. By curbing illegal gambling and informing consumers, the regulator is taking essential steps to protect the public while promoting responsible gambling practices.