The gambling market of Norway will not be changing any time soon, with the Norwegian government recently deciding that their current stance on gaming will remain. Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto will stay as the only operators in the country, maintaining a monopoly when it comes to gambling.

The decision will see the country’s gambling market remain a monopoly with no licenses offered to private operators. The government has decided to maintain the existing stance and strengthen what they already provide.

Linda Helleland is the Norwegian Culture Minister who commented on the decision by stating that she is proud to present the white paper on responsible and active gaming as well as betting policy created by the government. The paper is a representation of the first fundamental and integrated review of gaming and betting in the country to take place since 2003. The paper describes the major developments regarding gaming since that time and sets forth a positive and forward-looking policy for the area.

Helleland stated that the white paper provides a model for gaming and wagering regulation addressing such challenges as those presented by developments in technology. The primary goal is to be able to minimize undesirable behaviors in gaming and wagering by making sure the lotteries and gaming/betting services are offering in responsible and safe formats.

According to Helleland, the government was able to conclude that the current model, which involves only state-owned entities, is the best option to achieve the goal of a responsible service delivery. Proposals have been created to reinforce the monopoly model and protect the providers of Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping as regulated providers.

The government will more than likely create a new gaming act, combining all areas of gaming into one single act.