Operators rally against Norwegian regulator’s withdrawal statement
Betsson, ComeOn Group and Kindred Group battle back as Norwegian Gambling Authority announces departures of major firms from market
The Norwegian Gambling Authority (NGA) has announced that several major operators are withdrawing from the market, leading to some firms retorting against the regulator.
Betsson, bet365, ComeOn Group and Kindred Group are the headline companies to be named by the NGA as exiting the Nordic market.
All of these operators had been operating in Norway via respective Maltese licences.
The regulator added that it will continue to follow up on the illegal offering in Norway and said that any illegal operator that fails to withdraw by 2024 may have their websites blocked when the authority is given such powers next year.
Henrik Nordal, director of the NGA, said: “These are companies that are neither allowed to offer nor market gambling to Norwegians.
“The withdrawal of several of the largest gambling companies that operate illegally in Norway will prevent gambling problems and contribute to a safer and more responsible gambling offer in the Norwegian market.”
EGR contacted the headline operators in question and has been told that the order flies in the face of existing regulations.
A Betsson spokesperson said: “In Norway, in the pending matter regarding the cease-and-desist order of the Norwegian Gambling Authority (NGA) against BML Group Ltd, the company has implemented all of the changes previously agreed with the NGA, including the currency change to EUR.
“BML Group informed the NGA of these changes and stated that it, in its view, had complied with the cease-and-desist order, and there was no longer a basis for the imposition of coercive fines.
“BML requested that the NGA make a new overall assessment of BML Group’s gambling offer. The NGA has, pending this assessment, granted a further suspension of the cease-and-desist order until mid-September.”
A Kindred Group spokesperson added: “Kindred Group is of the opinion that we have never been on the Norwegian market but offer gambling as a service on the international entertainment market pursuant to a licence from Malta.
“Norwegian residents have legally, and at their own free will, chosen to participate in our offers.
“It is totally legal for Norwegian residents to play with overseas gambling companies, and they are not breaking any Norwegian laws, something the NGA and Ministry of Culture have expressed both in public statements and consultations.”
A ComeOn Group spokesperson told EGR the operator was “fully supportive” of the Norwegian Trade Organisation for Online Gambling’s (NBO) statement following the announcement. The firm added it “represents the factual correct position”.
The NBO said: “The members of NBO are established and regulated in other jurisdictions and offer their services based on the fundamental freedoms secured by the EEA Agreement.
“NBO members are responsible and have, because of dialogue with Norwegian authorities, adapted their offer. Norwegians may still use the services legally offered by NBO’s members in the international market, meaning offers not directed at the Norwegian market.”
Bet365 has yet to provide a comment on the situation.