Tonje Sagstuen Takes Helm as Managing Director of Norsk Tipping

Get ready for a significant development in the world of Norwegian gambling as Tonje Sagstuen takes the reins as the new Managing Director of Norsk Tipping, the state-owned gambling monopoly. In an era of potential changes to Norway’s online gambling landscape, this appointment holds immense importance. Sagstuen, who has been serving as the acting CEO at Norsk Tipping, now assumes the role permanently. Let’s delve into the details of this transition and the broader implications it carries for the future of gambling in Norway.

In a pivotal move that could shape the future of gambling in Norway, Tonje Sagstuen has officially been appointed as the Managing Director of Norsk Tipping, the state-owned gambling monopoly. This significant decision follows Sagstuen’s interim role as acting CEO at Norsk Tipping, which she assumed in September. Her appointment comes at a crucial juncture as Norway’s online gambling monopoly status faces uncertainty and potential transformation.

Sagstuen’s journey within the ranks of Norsk Tipping commenced in 2014 when she joined the senior management team. Over the years, she has showcased her leadership prowess and strategic acumen. Notably, her most recent position was Director of Responsibility, Society, and Communication within the organization.

Before her tenure with Norsk Tipping, Sagstuen spent nearly five years as part of the Norwegian newspaper Oppland Arbeiderblad, where she held the roles of Editor in Chief and News Editor. Her experience in media and communication, coupled with her in-depth understanding of Norsk Tipping, positions her favorably to steer the organization into a new era.

However, Tonje Sagstuen’s achievements extend beyond the world of business and media. She is also a former professional handball player and proudly represented the Norwegian national team an impressive 217 times. Her dedication and commitment, both on and off the sports field, reflect her relentless pursuit of excellence.

Norsk Tipping’s Chairman, Sylvia Brustad, warmly welcomed the appointment, emphasizing Sagstuen’s exceptional qualifications. Brustad stated, “With her, Norsk Tipping gets a skilled and experienced manager who knows the company and its employees very well. The board has appreciated the work Sagstuen has done as acting managing director and is pleased that she has accepted the position on a permanent basis. We are convinced that Sagstuen is the right person to lead us going forward.”

Tonje Sagstuen expressed her gratitude and sense of responsibility, acknowledging the significance of her role. “We are a large company that plays an important role for the whole of Norway. I look forward to leading the work on our important social mission further,” she said.

This leadership transition unfolds against the backdrop of potential changes to Norway’s online gambling landscape. In September, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) urged Norwegian lawmakers to consider transitioning from the current monopoly system to a licensing model for online gambling. Norway remains one of the few European countries with a state gambling monopoly, and EGBA advocates following the footsteps of neighboring Sweden and Finland in embracing licensing systems.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary-General of EGBA, emphasized that such a shift would address concerns related to consumers gambling on unlicensed sites and cater to the demand for alternative gambling options. The outcome of these deliberations could significantly impact Norsk Tipping’s future operations and the broader gambling industry in Norway.

Moreover, recent developments have seen Norway’s state-owned gambling monopolies implementing stringent cuts to marketing expenditure in response to directives from the Norwegian Lottery Authority (Lottstift). These cost-saving measures were prompted by new regulations that restrict illegal gambling operators from advertising on Norwegian television.

In August 2022, Norsk Tipping was directed to reduce advertising costs by 20%, while Pari-mutuel horse racing betting service Norsk Rikstoto was instructed to cut its expenditure by approximately 5%. This shift in marketing strategies reflects the evolving regulatory landscape within Norway.

As Tonje Sagstuen takes the helm as Managing Director of Norsk Tipping, all eyes are on the potential transformation of Norway’s gambling regulations and the future of its online gambling market. Sagstuen’s leadership and the adaptability of Norsk Tipping will play pivotal roles in navigating these dynamic changes.