Norway’s Gambling Monopoly May Be Nearing Its End

Norway’s Conservative Party – Høyre – has called for the end of the Nordic nation’s long-standing gambling monopoly in its latest party manifesto. If successful, this effort could see a fully liberalized market as early as 2028. Norway remains the only Scandinavian country with a state-controlled gambling monopoly after its neighbors introduced milestone reforms to their gaming sectors.

Gambling Liberalization Enjoys Significant Support

Norway’s licensed gambling currently operates via two state-run entities, Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, which control physical slot machines, lotteries, online gambling, sports betting, and horseracing. However, the Conservatives’ new policy, revealed in their 9 September election manifesto, advocates a shift toward a licensed market, citing the significant benefits of such an approach.

Replace the current monopoly model with a license model to increase revenues for the state, have state control of Norwegian gambling, and greater opportunities to help those struggling with problem gambling.

Conservative Party manifesto

The Conservative Party is the second-largest in the country, with 36 out of 169 seats. Another party favoring the abolition of the country’s betting monopoly is the Progress Party, with 21 seats, suggesting the potential for a political alliance to push the reforms forward. Naturally, such a prospect hinges on the upcoming 8 September 2025 general election.

Although the ruling Liberal Party has not provided concrete plans for the gambling sector beyond measures to combat addiction, industry experts believe that the path toward a more open market is inevitable. A liberalized gambling market would better protect consumers, channel gamblers away from dangerous black market operators, and pull in more tax revenues.

This Move Will Follow Other Successful Examples

These proposed reforms will likely draw on the gambling regimes already in place in fellow Scandinavian countries. Finland is the most recent example and is in the final stages of updating its gambling legislation. The nation has adopted a conservative approach, considering suspending bonuses and prohibiting affiliate marketing and social media advertising for gambling brands.

Combating gambling harm remains a priority for Norway. The country’s increased efforts against the black market and enhanced safer gambling measures have paid significant dividends. A 2023 report concluded that this diligent approach had slashed the number of problem gamblers in two, from 55,000 in 2019 to only 23,000.

With growing political momentum and regional examples of successful gambling reforms, many view Norway as the next Scandinavian country to embrace a more open and competitive gambling industry. The only questions that remain are how soon this shift will happen and what shape Norway’s new regulations will take.