Norwegian Gaming Association’s Call for Accountability Amidst Norsk Tipping Failures
Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm, the secretary general of the Norway Association for Online Gaming (NBO), is raising the alarm regarding recent missteps by Norsk Tipping, the state-owned gambling operator. Stenstrøm is urging the Norwegian government to take decisive action in light of these failures, asserting that there is a pressing need for accountability following a series of significant errors.
In a recent opinion piece for the regional publication Østlendingen, Stenstrøm expressed frustration over what he perceives as an inadequate governmental response to the challenges facing Norsk Tipping. He emphasized that, despite pressures from opposition factions, the government’s answers remain insufficient.
One of the major incidents he highlighted occurred in June when a technical glitch led to approximately 30,000 Eurojackpot players receiving erroneous notifications claiming they had won prizes. This mistake sparked a crisis that ultimately resulted in the resignation of Norsk Tipping CEO Tonje Sagstuen after the gambling regulator, Lotteritilsynet, determined that the organization had breached legal regulations.
Furthermore, Norsk Tipping has faced scrutiny for additional mistakes, including a hefty NOK 45 million (approximately $4.4 million) fine linked to discrepancies in its “Eurojackpot extra draws” and “Lotto super draws,” where certain groups were unfairly advantaged in their odds of winning.
Series of Serious Oversights
Stenstrøm outlined a troubling trend of recurring errors at Norsk Tipping. Earlier this year, the organization incurred a NOK 36 million penalty because a technical fault prevented self-excluded players from barring themselves from accessing their accounts. This was on the heels of a NOK 4.5 million fine in 2024 for mistakenly awarding a player NOK 25 million that they were not entitled to.
Stenstrøm argues that when responsibility is evaded by key figures—including the Minister of Culture, the board chair, and the CEO—the onus shifts to the Gaming Authority to intervene. He passionately stated, “Under the Gambling Act, Norsk Tipping has a clear obligation to operate responsibly to mitigate harm. Persistent legal violations warrant sanctions that surpass monetary fines.”
Proposals for Fundamental Change
Though Stenstrøm conceded that shutting down Norsk Tipping seems unlikely due to its status as a monopoly operator, he insisted that the government must intervene decisively to address the organization’s failings. He pointed out that the lack of competitive pressure means Norsk Tipping is not sufficiently incentivized to rectify its shortcomings.
“There is minimal competition, minimal repercussions for errors, and a historical tendency for the Ministry of Culture to allow Norsk Tipping to self-regulate,” he said.
He advocates for a reconsideration of the Norwegian gaming landscape, suggesting that greater regulation, perhaps through a licensing framework, could establish clear requirements for all operators, including Norsk Tipping. This framework could ensure that substantial mistakes lead to meaningful repercussions.
Possible Shifts in the Gambling Landscape
Stenstrøm’s remarks come at a critical moment. With general elections approaching on September 8, discussions surrounding the potential liberalization of Norway’s gambling market are gaining traction. Some political factions are openly endorsing this shift, with key parties advocating for an end to the gambling monopoly.
At a recent conference organized by the NBO, Progress Party MP Silje Hjemdal reiterated her party’s commitment to dismantling the monopoly, inspired by adjacent Nordic countries. The Conservative Party’s manifesto, unveiled last September, also calls for reform in this area.
Broader Context of Exploitation and Fraud
On a related note, a man in Norway recently received a prison sentence of over a year for committing fraud while applying for financial support from the Norway Lottery and Foundations Authority (Lottstift) during the Covid-19 pandemic. This case underscores the vulnerabilities in the current gaming system and highlights the necessity for stricter oversight and improved governance.
In summation, Stenstrøm’s advocacy for reform reflects a broader call to action for responsibility in Norway’s gaming industry, emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework that encourages improved practices and accountability from state operators like Norsk Tipping.