The Norwegian gambling authority, Lotteritilsynet, has taken decisive action by mandating the shutdown of 57 websites identified as operating unlawfully within the country.
Recently disclosed on April 1, this initiative involves 23 businesses responsible for the blocked sites, signaling Lotteritilsynet’s commitment to combat unregulated gambling operations in Norway.
The method of DNS blocking redirects players from these illegal platforms to a dedicated page set up by their internet service provider. This page clarifies that while accessing these sites may be tempting, such gambling activities remain illegal—not the act of visiting the site itself.
According to Silje Sægrov Amble, a lawyer at Lotteritilsynet, this move is a critical step towards mitigating gambling-related issues in Norway. “By blocking these unauthorized websites, we aim to reduce the chances of individuals developing gambling addictions,” she stated. “These platforms typically host games that carry the highest risks, designed to captivate users and potentially result in significant financial losses in a brief period.”
Chilling Effect Causes Withdrawals from Norway
This latest round of website blocks follows a prior warning issued last autumn to nearly 50 companies, signaling potential action against their operations. Approximately 40 out of 100 websites associated with these entities have opted to cease activities in Norway since receiving that warning.
While Lotteritilsynet has chosen not to publicly identify the blocked websites, they noted that several major firms had withdrawn voluntarily after the initial notice.
Amble highlighted that the website blocking strategy is part of a broader suite of measures aimed at fortifying defenses against illegal gambling. This multi-faceted approach is making it increasingly challenging for unlicensed operators to reach Norwegian gamblers. “It is becoming tougher to be a rogue betting entity in Norway. There are multiple influencing factors, such as the ban on television advertisements and financial institutions in Norway halting transactions involving these unregulated companies,” she noted.
Need for Greater Awareness Over Legal Operators
To that end, she is advocating for enhanced regulatory authority to improve market oversight and deal with illegal gambling platforms effectively. “Many players are unaware of the risks associated with these unauthorized sites. We believe the majority of individuals appreciate knowing when they’re engaging with an illegal gambling operation. Hence, the blocking of these sites also serves as a vital informational tool,” she emphasized.