Norway Gambling Law 2026
Gambling Act 2023 · Norsk Tipping · DNS & Payment Blocking · Help
Quick Take
- Norway uses an exclusive-rights model: Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto (horse racing) are the only operators allowed to offer gambling, under the Gambling Act in force since 1 January 2023.
- Banks have blocked card payments to unlicensed gambling since 2010. Amendments adopted on 14 May 2024 let the regulator order DNS blocking, first used in spring 2025 against 57 sites from 23 operators.
- TV advertising by foreign operators has been banned since 2021 legislation.
📌 Informational guide: this page explains the law in Norway. Cocktailspins does not list, rank or link to gambling operators for players in Norway. Rules change — follow updates in our Regulation Tracker.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Norway?
Only through the state. Norway’s Gambling Act, which entered into force on 1 January 2023, keeps the exclusive-rights model: Norsk Tipping, owned by the state, offers lotteries, sports betting and online casino games, and Norsk Rikstoto is the only company allowed to offer betting on horse racing. Smaller permitted activities include bingo and charitable lotteries. Foreign online casinos are not licensed in Norway, whatever licence they hold elsewhere.
How Enforcement Works
The Norwegian Gambling Authority, Lotteritilsynet, uses three tools. First, payments: since June 2010 Norwegian banks have been required to block card transactions to unlicensed gambling providers. Second, advertising: 2021 legislation banned TV advertising by foreign gambling operators. Third, DNS blocking: on 14 May 2024 the Storting adopted amendments letting Lotteritilsynet order internet providers to block unlicensed gambling sites. The first blocks, in spring 2025, covered 57 sites run by 23 unlicensed companies, and users trying to reach them are redirected to a warning page. Lotteritilsynet considers factors such as whether a site offers Norwegian as a language or accepts Norwegian kroner.
Tax on Winnings
Winnings from Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto are tax-free. Winnings from gambling abroad may have to be declared; Skatteetaten, the Norwegian Tax Administration, has the current rules.
Crypto
Providers of virtual currency exchange and custody services in Norway must be registered with Finanstilsynet, the Financial Supervisory Authority, under anti-money-laundering rules. A crypto payment does not make an unlicensed gambling site legal in Norway. For how stablecoin transfers work, see our USDT TRC20 explainer.
Our Position and Help
Because only the two state operators are licensed in Norway, this page does not list or link to any other gambling site. Hjelpelinjen, the national helpline for gambling problems, is free on 800 800 40. Our Responsible Gambling Score explains what good player protection looks like.
FAQ
Who can offer online gambling in Norway?
Only Norsk Tipping and, for horse racing, Norsk Rikstoto. Foreign online casinos are not licensed in Norway.
Does Norway block gambling websites?
Yes. Lotteritilsynet can order DNS blocking of unlicensed sites and first did so in spring 2025, blocking 57 sites from 23 operators.
Can Norwegian banks pay gambling sites?
Since 2010 Norwegian banks must block card payments to unlicensed gambling providers.
Where can I get help with gambling in Norway?
Hjelpelinjen offers free help on 800 800 40.