Norway to Filter Out Gambling-related TV Ads

The Norwegian government has proposed legislative changes to prohibit overseas gambling operators from advertising on television in the country.

The government is to table amendments to the Broadcasting Act and allow the Norwegian Media Authority to order Norwegian TV distributors and internet providers to prevent access to illegal marketing.

Abid Q. Raja, Minister of Culture and Gender Equality, said the changes are being considered as the ban on marketing illegal gambling has been difficult to enforce because the TV stations broadcasting into Norway operate outside of the country’s jurisdiction.

The Norwegian Government has long been preparing to up efforts to prevent unlicensed operators from advertising in the market, with discussions underway since 2017. Currently, these companies exploit a loophole that allows them to advertise via channels that broadcast into Norway from foreign locations.

“For the government, this is a value choice where the interests of people with gambling problems and their relatives must take precedence over financial considerations,” Raja said.

Currently, Norway only has two state-owned bodies permitted to offer and advertise gambling products in the market. Norsk Tipping can offer draw-based and casino games, while Norsk Rikstoto offers totalisator games.