Lotteritilsynet Investigates Norsk Tipping Over Exclusion Failures

In a critical move for player protection, Norway’s gambling regulator, Lotteritilsynet, has launched an investigation into Norsk Tipping. This follows concerns that the monopoly operator failed to allow players to properly self-exclude from its mobile app, raising questions about its compliance with Norway’s strict gambling regulations. The investigation was triggered by Norsk Tipping itself, which alerted the regulator in June about a technical issue preventing some players from using self-exclusion features. Under Norway’s Gambling Act, operators are required to offer players the ability to self-exclude or take a break from gambling, and failure to provide this can result in significant penalties. As self-exclusion is a cornerstone of responsible gambling, Lotteritilsynet is taking the matter seriously. The regulator’s inquiry aims to determine whether Norsk Tipping’s actions amounted to a breach of law and if further regulatory measures are required. This case not only puts Norsk Tipping’s compliance under scrutiny but also highlights the importance of robust player protection systems. For players, operators, and regulators alike, this serves as a timely reminder of the need for vigilance and robust systems to ensure responsible gambling is accessible and functional.

Norway Regulator Investigates Norsk Tipping Over Self-Exclusion Breach

Norwegian gambling regulator Lotteritilsynet is probing potential violations by Norsk Tipping after a self-exclusion issue was discovered in the operator’s mobile app. The issue, which prevented certain players from blocking access to gambling services, has raised concerns over compliance with Norway’s Gambling Act, specifically regarding player protection features.

The case was brought to light after Norsk Tipping reported the technical glitch to Lotteritilsynet in June. Following this, the regulator deemed there was sufficient cause for an investigation to ensure that the operator adhered to legal obligations. According to Anya Markhus, a senior advisor at Lotteritilsynet, the investigation aims to determine the extent of the issue and whether the incident constitutes a breach of national gambling laws.

Under section nine of the Gambling Act, licensed operators are legally required to provide players with the option to self-exclude or take temporary breaks from gambling. The Act clearly states that these breaks cannot be reversed until the chosen exclusion period expires, and players opting for long-term self-exclusion must wait at least a year before lifting any bans.

Norsk Tipping, Norway’s state-run gambling operator, has already responded to the incident, asserting that the error was swiftly corrected. Anne Marit Sletten, communications advisor for Norsk Tipping, confirmed the issue’s resolution, stating, “We notified Lotteritilsynet of the issue immediately, and the error has been fixed. We welcome the investigation and will provide all necessary documentation.”

Lotteritilsynet has requested detailed information from Norsk Tipping, including a full explanation of the error, how many players were impacted, and the corrective measures that have been implemented. The inquiry will cover the period between July 2023 and June 2024, after which the issue was first reported.

Ongoing Compliance Challenges for Norsk Tipping

This investigation adds to the compliance issues that Norsk Tipping is already facing. In a separate case, Lotteritilsynet imposed a NOK4.5 million fine on the operator due to a significant error related to jackpot payouts. The operator’s online casino, KongKasino, mistakenly paid out a NOK25 million jackpot, far exceeding the permitted maximum of NOK5 million.

Norsk Tipping has been granted until 18 October to appeal the fine related to the jackpot error. The company attributed the oversized payout to a technical failure it was unaware of prior to the incident.

Scrutiny Increases on Norsk Tipping

With two significant regulatory issues in play, Norsk Tipping finds itself under increasing scrutiny from Lotteritilsynet. As the regulator pushes forward with its investigation into the self-exclusion breach, the case underscores the importance of technological integrity and compliance in the gambling industry. While Norsk Tipping has taken corrective actions, the investigation’s outcome could have broader implications for how operators manage responsible gambling systems in regulated markets like Norway.