Norway’s gambling landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with a significant decline in foreign operator market share—but rising concerns about the growing exposure of young people to gambling-related risks.
Foreign Operators Losing Ground
A recent report by the Norwegian Lotteries Authority has highlighted a sharp reduction in the presence of unlicensed international gambling companies targeting Norwegian players. As of early 2025, the foreign share of Norway’s gambling market stands at just 23%, down from 41% five years ago. The shift is attributed to proactive regulatory measures such as payment blocking, a ban on foreign advertising, and greater enforcement of the country’s gambling monopoly system.
Norway’s two state-licensed operators, Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, now dominate the legal market, bolstered by strict controls and responsible gambling tools.
Youth Gambling Concerns Escalate
Despite this progress, new challenges are surfacing. Data from recent surveys indicate that gambling exposure among youth, particularly through social media, is rising. Around 63% of Norwegian teenagers (ages 13–18) reported seeing gambling ads online in the past year—often from influencers or unregulated offshore platforms that bypass local restrictions.
The Lotteries Authority and the Norwegian Media Authority have expressed concerns over the normalization of gambling content among younger audiences, especially on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Government Tightens Controls
To counteract this trend, Norsk Tipping implemented lower monthly loss limits for players under 25 earlier this year—NOK 3,000 for those aged 20–21, and NOK 5,000 for those 22–24. The move is part of a broader responsible gaming initiative, supported by NOK 32 million in state funding to combat gambling harm in 2024.
As foreign operators retreat, Norway’s challenge now lies in protecting its youth from digital-age gambling influences while maintaining a safer, controlled gaming environment.
