NBO and IBIA ink memorandum of understanding to establish cooperative framework
Pair will work together to promote a “safe and effective” licensing and regulatory regime in Norway
The Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming (NBO) and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a cooperative framework to promote a “safe and effective” local licensing and regulatory regime in Norway.
The MOU comes after a study from industry data consultancy H2 Gambling Capital forecast that almost half of Norway’s online betting GGR will be generated at offshore sites in 2024.
Norway is one of the only remaining European markets not to have a multi-licence model in place, with Finland set to ditch its Veikkaus monopoly by 2026.
That would Norway as one of the only monopoly markets on the continent, however the partnership with the IBIA could point to steps towards commercialisation.
The IBIA added that as part of the new framework specific betting integrity provisions will be included.
Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm, general secretary of the NBO, said: “Increasingly strong signals indicate that the Norwegian monopoly is not the most effective solution for consumer protection or industry integrity.
“Betting is a fully digital and international service that cannot be confined to local peculiarities. To establish the best possible framework, the gambling offering must be viewed comprehensively and regulated accordingly.
“The partnership between NBO and IBIA ensures a concerted effort to address responsible practices and supporting initiatives aimed at minimising the impact of gambling-related harm.”
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, added: “IBIA welcomes the establishment of an MOU with the NBO. We will seek to support the NBO’s challenge of the continuation of a monopoly-style approach to betting in Norway. The lack of licensing for responsible regulated betting operators in Norway hinders market oversight, consumer protection and the implementation of effective sports betting integrity provisions.”
This collaborative move comes after the Norwegian Gambling Authority announced several major operators had withdrawn from the market following the regulator’s crack down on operators offering their services in the country under a Maltese licence.
Several headline operators named by the authority, including Kindred Group and Betsson, rallied against the crack down, with the former stating: “It is totally legal for Norwegian residents to play with overseas gambling companies”.
EGR examined the Norwegian market in a recent feature, which can be found here.
Elsewhere, the IBIA has also signed a MOU with the Swedish Gambling Authority to strengthen sports betting integrity in Sweden.