Is Online Gambling Legal in Norway?
Online gambling in Norway is tightly controlled under a state monopoly system. Norsk Tipping is responsible for lotteries, sports betting, and online casino-style games, while Norsk Rikstoto operates horse race betting. These two companies hold the exclusive rights to provide gambling services in the country.
Private online casinos are not currently permitted to operate in the market, but many non-Norwegian brands continue to accept Norwegian players. The strict limits of the national gambling services lead many users to these alternatives, and there are currently few personal consequences for doing so. Still, these operators are not authorized to run in the country, and regulatory authorities continue to push for stronger barriers against them.
Gambling Regulators and Licensing in Norway
Legal Oversight and Restrictions
The Norwegian Gambling Authority (Lotteritilsynet) is the main body that regulates and supervises gambling. Its oversight covers all legal activity, from state-run betting to small-scale charitable events.
Norway follows an exclusive rights model. This means gambling is only allowed when offered through specific, state-controlled operators or in limited cases where non-profits receive approval. The system works as follows:
- Online Casinos and Sports Betting: Norsk Tipping has the sole license to offer casino-style games and betting online and offline.
- Horse Race Betting: Norsk Rikstoto manages all licensed horse race wagering.
- Poker: A National Poker Championship is permitted under supervision, and private games are allowed under strict conditions: up to 20 players, a maximum stake of NOK 1,000 per person, and non-commercial settings.
- Non-Profit Gambling: Charities and local organizations can apply for permits to run lotteries, bingo, and similar activities, provided proceeds are used for non-profit purposes.
- Foreign Operators: International private entities are not eligible to obtain a Norwegian license for online gambling under any circumstances.
The Gambling Authority is active in limiting access to unauthorized gambling, focusing on measures that restrict payment and visibility. Over time, several types of enforcement have been added.
Payment Blocking
Banks and payment providers must prevent transfers linked to foreign gambling by flagging the Merchant Category Code 7995 associated with them. This cuts off many direct deposit and withdrawal routes to private-sector casinos.
Advertising Bans
Cross-border marketing is tightly controlled. Since 2021, television ads from private operators have been prohibited, which has reduced visibility of unauthorized platforms.
DNS Blocking and Monitoring
Since 2025, DNS blocking has been in place to redirect players who attempt to visit non-domestic services. The Gambling Authority decides whether a site qualifies as targeting the Norwegian market based on several factors:
- use of the Norwegian language, customer service, or local currency (NOK)
- displaying Norwegian symbols, such as the flag or country code +47
- marketing through Norwegian media or using Norwegian individuals in promotions
- attempts to bypass the payment-blocking system
Sites that meet these criteria can be added to the official block list, which is regularly updated and published by Lotteritilsynet. Once listed, players trying to access them are redirected to a page explaining that the site is not permitted in Norway. The page also clarifies that individuals are not committing a crime by attempting to log in, but the operator itself is acting unlawfully.
These enforcement steps show how seriously Norway guards its exclusive rights model, even though many non-Norwegian platforms still remain accessible.
Reliable Payment Methods for Fast Withdrawals in Norway
Payment options for Norwegian players depend heavily on where they choose to play. The official state-controlled platforms offer only a narrow selection, while other casinos expand the choices but come with added restrictions.
Official Sites
Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto rely on traditional banking channels. Withdrawals are generally limited to:
- Bank cards (Visa and Mastercard)
- Bank transfers
These methods are secure and reliable but usually slow, taking several business days before funds arrive. As of now, they are also the only withdrawal routes permitted on these websites.
Foreign Sites
Overseas operators also often support card and bank transfer options. However, these transactions face a higher chance of being flagged or blocked under Norway’s payment restrictions. Even when successful, they are rarely the fastest way to receive winnings.
E-wallets:
Players often turn to digital wallets like Skrill, PayPal, or Revolut, which provide much faster withdrawal times. Once the casino approves the request, funds can appear in the wallet within hours, sometimes even sooner. E-wallets are less affected by Norway’s blocking rules because they operate outside the local banking system, though they may charge small fees for transactions or currency conversion.
Cryptocurrency:
Crypto withdrawals are generally the quickest option. Transfers confirm within minutes once approved, and they bypass the payment blocks altogether. The tradeoff is that players need to manage a personal wallet and may have to exchange coins into NOK through third-party services. Still, crypto offers unmatched speed and availability.