Compliance Updates

Norwegian Court Rules Norsk Tipping’s Gaming Monopoly Does Not Breach EEA Law

Published

4 years ago

July 9, 2021

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The Borgarting Court of Appeal in Oslo has confirmed that the exclusive gambling rights model held by Norsk Tipping in Norway is not in contravention of the EEA Agreement.

Currently, in Norway, only Norsk Tipping may offer most forms of gambling, while Norsk Rikstoto holds a monopoly to offer horse racing.

The case was brought to the Oslo District Court and Borgarting Court of Appeal from 2018, by lottery operator Norsk Lotteri AS after it applied for a gambling licence in the jurisdiction. It said Norsk Tipping’s monopoly was in contravention of the EEA Agreement.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

According to the European Free Trade Association – the intergovernmental organisation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – the EEA Agreement guarantees equal rights and obligations within the Internal Market for individuals and businesses in the EEA (European Economic Area).

It provides for the inclusion of EU legislation covering the four freedoms; the free movement of goods, services, persons and capital throughout the 30 EEA States.

The Borgarting Court of Appeal has now ruled that Norsk Tipping’s monopoly on gambling may be maintained, as it is not in contravention of Article 31 of the EEA Agreement.

This article states that there “shall be no restrictions on the freedom of establishment of nationals of an EC member state or an EFTA state in the territory of any other of these states” and that this includes “the setting up of agencies, branches or subsidiaries”.

The Court concluded that the exclusive rights model was suitable for channelling players to a more responsible gaming offer, and therefore contributes to reducing the extent of gambling problems.

Australia

ACMA Blocks More llegal Online Gambling Websites

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Niji Narayan

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites blocked include Casiny, CoinPoker, Crown Play, Fafabet9, SlotFred, Smart 93 and Vigor Spin.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1251 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.

The post ACMA Blocks More llegal Online Gambling Websites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Norway Progress Party Renew Calls to End Gambling Monopoly

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2025

Niji Narayan

norway-progress-party-renew-calls-to-end-gambling-monopoly

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Norway’s state-run gambling model could soon face a major change. With the next general election scheduled for September 8, the Progress Party is renewing calls to end the national gambling monopoly.

Speaking at a May conference hosted by the Norwegian Online Gaming Association (Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill), MP Silje Hjemdal reiterated her party’s long-standing position that Norway must move towards a liberalised market. The call echoes the Progress Party’s 2021 election manifesto and gains momentum as similar reforms unfold in neighbouring Finland.

Hjemdal, a member of the Storting’s family and culture committee, highlighted successful remote gambling frameworks in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. While she stopped short of endorsing a specific model, she expressed admiration for Denmark’s regulatory setup.

“I haven’t landed on a concrete model, but what’s happening in Denmark is very exciting. I’d gladly take a study trip there to learn more,” she said.

She also pointed to the broader risks of maintaining the monopoly, noting that large sums of money continue to flow out of the country through unlicensed platforms.

“We are one of the very few countries left using this model. There’s a clear need for better regulation—under the current system, Norwegian sports and culture lose out as money is spent offshore,” Hjemdal added.

The Progress Party isn’t alone in pushing for change. The Conservative Party also supports opening Norway’s gambling market and included the proposal in its latest manifesto, released in September 2023.

Carl Stenstrøm, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Online Gaming Association, believes the upcoming election could prove decisive. In a previous interview, he described the current level of cross-party support as the strongest yet for ending the monopoly, with liberalisation potentially arriving by 2028.

The post Norway Progress Party Renew Calls to End Gambling Monopoly appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

MGCB Showcases National Leadership on Illegal Gaming Enforcement at 2025 NAGRA Conference

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

mgcb-showcases-national-leadership-on-illegal-gaming-enforcement-at-2025-nagra-conference

Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Criminal Investigations Section Manager John Lessnau recently represented the agency at the 2025 North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) Annual Training and Education Conference, held June 2-5 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Lessnau presented a featured session titled “Case Study: Tackling the Illegal/Offshore Gaming Market” and facilitated a discussion on how Michigan is setting the standard nationwide in combatting illegal and unregulated gaming operations. His presentation outlined Michigan’s strategic enforcement model and collaborative approach to removing illegal gambling from the state and deterring bad actors from targeting Michigan consumers.

“Michigan is at the forefront of the national conversation on illegal gambling, and we were proud to share how our efforts are making a real impact. We’re leveraging every tool available—from anonymous tip lines and interagency partnerships to direct enforcement and public awareness—to crack down on illegal gaming operations that threaten consumer protection and undermine legal businesses,” MGCB Criminal Investigations Section Manager John Lessnau said.

To date, the MGCB has issued nearly 100 cease-and-desist letters to unauthorized gambling operators—including high-profile offshore websites—and continues to pursue new cases with more enforcement actions expected in the months ahead. These efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to upholding integrity in Michigan’s legal, regulated gaming market.

The MGCB’s aggressive stance on illegal and offshore gambling has drawn national recognition and strengthened its partnerships with regulatory peers across the US.

As part of the NAGRA conference, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams was honored with the 2025 Excellence in Gaming – Individual Award, recognizing his leadership in expanding responsible gaming outreach and fortifying criminal enforcement efforts. The award reflects the continued success of the MGCB under Williams’ direction and the agency’s role as a model for effective, transparent regulation.

The post MGCB Showcases National Leadership on Illegal Gaming Enforcement at 2025 NAGRA Conference appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.