The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming / Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill (NBO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for cooperation to promote a safe and effective local licensing and regulatory regime in Norway, along with specific betting integrity provisions.

With Finland committed to ending its monopoly system for gambling in favour of a licensing model by 2026, Norway’s continuation of a monopoly system runs contrary to the prevailing approach adopted across Europe, notably in nearby countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Germany.

H2 Gambling Capital, the leading data and intelligence company for the global gambling industry, forecasts that nearly half (43%) of Norway’s online betting GGR will be conducted offshore in 2024.

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 minimizing the impact of gambling-related harm.”

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: “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.”

IBIA is a globally recognized non-profit organization that seeks to protect the integrity of the betting and sporting sectors. Its membership includes over 50 companies and 125 leading sports betting brands with over $137bn in betting turner per annum, making IBIA the world’s leading operator-run integrity monitoring body.

IBIA’s Q3 2023 integrity report detailed 50 alerts reported in the quarter; the association’s Q4 and annual report for 2023 will be published in the coming weeks. The association reported 268 alerts to the authorities in 2022, with successful sporting or criminal sanctions against 15 teams, officials or players where IBIA had reported suspicious activity on their matches.