Apple stops Norwegians from accessing gambling apps

In Norway, much like in many other European countries, the government holds the monopoly over the gambling activities. Norsk Tipping is the national company that offers various gambling products, including lottery, sports and instant games and so on. Unfortunately for Norsk Tipping, with the onset of online gambling websites, it is difficult to maintain the user base. These internationally licensed companies are still able to reach the Norwegians as they offer their products online. It seems like the government received a little help with the issue from Apple, the world’s first trillion dollar company, as it recently removed 38 unlicensed gambling apps from its App Store in Norway (read more about it here). Apps banned from the App Store include NordicBet, Mr Green, Unibet, Betsson and others. Notably, apps like Coolbet and ComeOn were able to maintain their rights to offer the products in Norway as they operate under EU Free Trade Zone license.

People received the news differently. Many people who are actively involved in online gambling want to see diversity in the market, which Norsk Tipping is not able to provide. Some of these Norwegian online casino websites and online applications fill the void left by the absence of a wide array of products in the country. With the ban, these customers will lose access to some of the games they have been entertaining with. In addition, although the government officials cite the protection of customers as the main objective behind the tough stance against the online gambling, others believe that the authorities are simply trying to protect the monopoly of Norsk Tipping. It should be noted that the profits generated by the company are given to the Norwegian sport and cultural sector.

Government officials, on the other hand, see the news as positive. In an interview with Norwegian news agency, Adessa, Frank Hoff Hana, Norwegian Lottery Authority Senior Advisor commented that the banning of the apps would “contribute positively to reducing the illegal gaming offer aimed at Norwegians.” Critics of the ban offer arguments against this statement as well. According to them, since there is a clear demand in the market, banning the applications from the App Store will simply send these activities further away from the reaches of the law into the black market.

Nordic countries begin to liberalize the gambling industry as Norway remains unwavering

The recent trend in Europe is to move away from national monopolies in the gambling industry and gradually allow private companies to obtain licenses. Sweden started accepting applications for licenses this month while Denmark has been doing it for quite some time now. Notably, Slovakia recently submitted a draft to the EU according to which it will also introduce a licensing scheme in its gambling industry. On the other hand, Norway seems to be unwavering in its stance to maintain the monopoly of Norsk Tipping.

Some people suggest that liberalizing the market similarly to Sweden would be a solution to the problem of illegal gambling activities and would bring all providers under one regulatory framework. Morten Klein, who is the Cherry AB Chair commented on the issue and emphasized the need of opening up the gambling industry. “The Lottery Authority should also look at how to regulate the gaming market. For 18 years, there have been games online, and there have become more problem players. The situation now is untenable and it must end with a regulation. As long as Norway is part of the EU/EEA regulations, it is fully permitted for Norwegians to play on these pages,” – Klein commented.