Online bingo is legal in Norway but operates under strict government regulations administered by the Norwegian Lottery and Foundation Authority (Lotteritilsynet), which oversees both state-run and private gambling activities (1). Private organizations may apply for authorization to provide bingo services under certain conditions, with licenses valid for one year (1). Starting January 1, 2025, online bingo suppliers must comply with additional registration requirements per game as part of new legislative measures targeting player safety (2). Norway maintains a state-controlled gambling monopoly system through Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, which hold exclusive licenses for most gambling activities (1).
The Norwegian government announced new regulations in November 2024 that will introduce stricter safeguards for the bingo industry, with implementation occurring in two phases throughout 2025 (2). The first phase requires online bingo game registration by January 1, 2025, while the second phase takes effect September 1, 2025, introducing loss limits for electronic bingo machines in land-based venues (2). Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery explained that electronic bingo games have operated without loss limits for too long, coming at the expense of vulnerable players and their relatives (2). The government consulted over 500 industry stakeholders before finalizing these measures (2).
"Electronic bingo games in bingo halls and online in connection with the bingo venue have for a long time been allowed to operate without loss limits; this has come at the expense of vulnerable players and their relatives."
All license applications must carry out risk assessments to ensure responsible and safe gambling, with routines in place outlining adherence to gambling scheme requirements (1). The Norwegian Gambling Authority emphasizes that its gambling policy prioritizes people in the risk zone for gambling addiction, with the exclusive rights model built on accountability (2). Minister Jaffery acknowledged that while the government wanted all regulations in place by year-end, they chose to listen to industry associations about implementation challenges (2). The new rules aim to bring Norway's bingo regulations in line with its responsible gambling framework focused on safeguarding vulnerable players (2).
Source:
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/norway
https://igamingexpress.com/norway-introduces-new-legislation-for-player-protection-in-bingo-industry/
Last updated: 28-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
