Norway Reports Decline in Foreign Operator Market Share

Norway’s Lottery Authority has published its latest gambling market review, pointing to a sharp withdrawal by unlicensed international gambling operators from the Norwegian marketplace and highlighting fresh concerns over risky gaming behavior among younger players. Meanwhile, the nation continues its ongoing efforts to democratize its gambling market and follow the example of other leading European jurisdictions.

Black Market Operators Still Command a Substantial Market Presence

According to the newly released accountability and channeling report from the Norwegian Lottery Authority, unlicensed foreign operators experienced a net turnover drop to NOK 1.3 billion ($124.7 million) in 2024, down from NOK 1.6 billion ($153.5 million)  in the previous year. Director Tore Bell sees this decline as evidence supporting the strength of Norway’s monopoly model, as state-approved wagering platforms Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto retain their momentum.

In 2024, over 2 million people played online with Norsk Tipping, up from 1.8 million in 2023. Norsk Rikstoto also recorded growth. Together, the two operators saw turnover from competing game types rise from NOK 2.6 billion ($249.6 million) to NOK 3.1 billion ($297.3 million), with instant-play games seeing the biggest jump. Bell noted that the data had significant implications beyond the surface financials.

Player channelization is about to reach a level where the effort to get the remaining ones to the legal market will require special measures.

Tore Bell, Lottery Authority director 

While the figures demonstrate a relatively healthy market, they also reveal that foreign platforms have a sizeable presence within high-risk categories. The market share of companies directly competing with Norsk Tipping’s offerings—online slots and casino-style products—ranged between 22% and 28% in 2024. This figure is a substantial decline from the 29% to 35% range recorded in 2023. However, illegal operators remain a pressing concern.

The Monopoly Model Faces Rising Scrutiny

Norwegian authorities are particularly concerned about a new pattern that is beginning to emerge among young adults. Players aged 18 to 25 are increasingly engaging with high-risk games, mirroring behaviors usually seen in older, more established gamblers. Bell noted that the authority was carefully monitoring the situation and suggested Norsk Tipping could revise its approach to online casino offerings, especially those targeting younger demographics.

We believe that Norsk Tipping must make casino games, online computer games, less risky and accessible to young players.

Tore Bell, Lottery Authority director 

Despite the monopoly model’s comparative success in terms of channelization, Norway’s gambling regime faces renewed scrutiny. The Conservative Party has presented a bill that could shift the nation’s gambling sector towards a licensing-based model by 2028. Advocates argue that an open and regulated market would provide greater consumer protections, reduce black-market activity, and bolster state revenue.

While the future of Norway’s gambling sector remains uncertain, the Lottery Authority remains focused on tightening existing controls and refining the state-run system. Bell was confident that the model could persist despite shifting industry trends, emphasizing its history of success. He was adamant that safeguarding Norwegian players would remain the regulator’s top priority.