The gambling activity can be considered as limited in Norway, with a rather strict stance from the government to regulate the sector properly. This article provides an insight into the different aspects of the gambling laws and legislations that exist in Norway concentrating on Norway bookmakers and Norway sports betting. We will also look at the history, the regulating bodies, the types of bets that are allowed and the ones that are not allowed, licenses, fees, taxes and famous sporting events.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
History of Gambling Laws and Legislation
The control over gambling activities in Norway has changed over the years, the government takes all the necessary measures to prevent unrestrained gambling behaviours. Here is a detailed timeline of key legislative milestones:
- 1902: The Norwegian Penal Code (§§ 298 and 299) first time mentioned gambling; however, the only gambling allowed is that of games of chance conducted by special licensees. This led to the passing of the law that made gambling activities a state monopoly.
- 1927: The Totalisator Act was passed into law to legalize betting on horse racing and form Norsk Rikstoto the state owned and controlled horse racing betting company.
- 1986: Lottery is legal through the Norsk Tipping which has a monopoly over the activity.
- 1992: The Gaming Scheme Act was passed into law to regulate and allow most of the forms of gambling such as the casino, gaming machines, poker, and even online gambling. Norsk Tipping was given a monopoly in these activities.
- 1995: The Lottery Act was passed and amended the laws on lotteries and other similar events while allowing non-profit organizations to conduct some types of gambling.
Gambling Regulatory Agencies
Currently, the gambling business in Norway has been well protected by state authorities to avoid the unrestricted and unfair gambling activities. The key regulatory bodies include:
- Ministry of Culture and Equality: It is mainly in charge of the administration and regulation of gaming and lotteries and various other activities but not horse racing and trotting.
- The Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority (Lotteri- og stiftelsestilsynet): The professional regulatory and supervisory authority of the gambling business.
Bookmakers Gambling License and Charges
The gambling business in Norway is quite regulated and the licenses are granted to the state-owned monopolies mainly. Nevertheless, the licenses for some gambling activities can be received by non-commercial organizations with the humanitarian and socially significant objectives. The types of licenses and fees include:
- Norsk Tipping AS: Is the only entity legally allowed to conduct lottery, scratch cards, sports betting, and casino games.
- Norsk Rikstoto: Has the only license to provide the services of horse racing betting.
- Non-profit organizations: May issue licenses for bingo, raffles, and other specific kinds of charitable gambling.
Bookmakers Gambling Taxes
Thus, the taxation of gambling in Norway is targeted at supporting socially important projects and government programs. Key aspects include:
- State-owned companies: It is spent by the government or goes to charitable and other social needs causes.
- Private operators: As far as gambling is concerned there is no specific tax that one has to pay because it is prohibited for private persons. Nevertheless, the 15% tax on the gross gambling yield has been suggested for the possible future opening of the market.
For players, the taxation of gambling winnings is as follows:
- Domestic winnings: Exempted if from Norwegian companies.
- Foreign winnings: Taxed at 28% of the total amount exceeding NOK 10,000 in a year.
Sports Betting of Norway Bookmakers
Sports have always been popular in Norway and the nation has a great record of sports betting. This is because the state has a legal monopoly over the operations of sports betting hence promoting responsible betting. Key aspects include:
- Exclusive rights: Norsk Tipping has the monopoly right for sports betting with the main focus on football matches and number games.
- Popular sports: Among the highly demanded sports for betting, football, horse racing, and winter sports, including skiing and biathlon.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones
Many sportsmen and sportswomen of Norwegian origin have brought pride to their country and the international sporting arena. Some of their achievements include:
- Sonja Henie: Three time Olympic champion in figure skating at the years 1928, 1932 and 1936.
- Erik Tysse: Went to four world championships and was the flag bearer for Norway in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
- Ingrid Kristiansen: Greatest long distance runner of the 1980s also winning world championship in track, road and cross-country.
- Marit Bjørgen: She is the holder of more medals in the Winter Olympics than any other female athlete with 15 medals.
- Johann Olav Koss: Is a three time winner of the gold medal at the 1994 winter Olympics in speed skating.
Conclusion
Tight and very effective laws together with the state monopoly on gambling makes the industry to be very responsible and accountable in Norway. To comprehend the complexities of Norway gambling laws, and more specifically Norway bookmakers and Norway sports betting is crucial for anyone wishing to participate in or analyze this country’s gambling industry. Being one of the leaders of the legislative process in the world of gambling and emphasizing responsible gambling, Norway remains a beacon of good practice for the global gambling regulation.
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