The Norwegian Lottery Organization: A Gaming Issue in Norway – iGB
Bjørn Helge Hoffmann, Director of Responsible Gaming at the Norwegian Lottery Organization, stated that a May poll of the nation’s gambling practices revealed a “gambling issue” in Norway.
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The Norwegian Lottery Organization: “A Gaming Issue in Norway”
Bjørn Helge Hoffmann, Director of Responsible Gaming at the Norwegian Lottery Organization, stated that a May poll of the nation’s gambling practices revealed a “gambling issue” in Norway.
The poll, conducted by the University of Bergen, claimed that 55,000 individuals in Norway, or 1.4% of the population, are categorized as problematic gamblers, while another 122,000 individuals, or 3.1% of the population, are categorized as being at a moderate risk of developing a gambling issue.
The prior version of the poll, conducted in 2015, discovered that 0.9% of respondents had a gambling issue, while 2.3% were at moderate risk.
These outcomes were obtained through a poll utilizing the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) on 9,248 participants, which scores participants from 0 to 27 based on their answers to nine questions, with a score of 8 or more representing a gambling issue.
The study stated that the increase in problematic gambling rates “could be due to more individuals now participating in gambling, increased advertising exposure and influence, and games being more readily accessible online than before.”
Hoffman highlighted that the survey findings indicate Norway is grappling with a severe gambling issue.
“Is there a gambling issue in Norway?” Hoffman posed rhetorically. “In my view, there is.”
Hoffman concurred with the study’s analysis of the factors driving the rise in gambling problems, and believes that marketing is a particularly significant element. He observed that these promotions often originate from foreign operators who are not subject to Norwegian regulations, as Norwegian gambling firms do not advertise casino games.
“The population survey outcomes underscore the significance of halting casino game advertising and further restricting the accessibility of foreign gambling firms,” Hoffman emphasized.
He proceeded to point out that unlicensed operators are “concerned” about Norwegian gambling companies because their games lack similar mandatory loss limits like the monopoly company’s monthly 10,000 Norwegian kroner (£861/$951/€1,136).
“Online casino games have a negative reputation from a risk standpoint,” Hoffman added.
However, Hoffman endeavored to minimize criticism of Norwegian gambling company Belago’s electronic gaming machines, which he believes is overblown. The survey discovered that up to 82% of Belago players may be at risk of some form of gambling issue.
“Gambling companies operating illegally in Norway, and those who advocate for a gambling license model in Norway, tend to depict Belago machines as the most detrimental type of game. They label Belago the ‘most aggressive game’,” Hoffman stated.
These allegations either reveal a lack of comprehension and awareness of the survey’s findings, or they point to a deliberate misrepresentation of data to support one’s own arguments.
Hoffman highlighted that the low participation rate of Belago machines distorts the proportion of individuals with gambling issues.
“The survey indicates that Belago machines have the highest percentage of problem and at-risk players,” he stated. “However, the survey also reveals that only 1% of players engage with them.
“To illustrate the inaccuracy of deliberately misrepresenting this data, we can apply a similar calculation to Pantlotterit [a lottery sold in pawn shops nationwide]. This lottery has a problem player rate of 6.9%, with 38.5% of players participating.
“This translates to nearly 67,000 ‘playing’ individuals who are problem gamblers. This figure surpasses the number for Belago by more than three times. Most individuals would likely agree that this doesn’t imply that pawn shop lotteries pose a significant concern in terms of gambling addiction.”
Moreover, Hoffman defended the Norwegian lottery company’s continued provision of these games, emphasizing that the company operates under authorization from Norwegian authorities and is permitted to offer the machines due to high demand.
Hoffman also observed that Belago machines require active seeking, as they are exclusively found in bingo halls, and they adhere to a “world-leading responsibility framework,” including a mandatory monthly loss limit of 4,400 Norwegian kroner.
A representative from the Norwegian betting firm Norsk Tipping highlighted that they observed a greater percentage of individuals with gambling issues on Belago and acknowledged the addictive nature of the casino games available on the platform. Consequently, they exercise heightened vigilance regarding this category of games.
“The primary objective of Norwegian gambling regulations is to ensure that individuals who desire to engage in these types of games have the option to participate within a responsible framework,” the representative added.
“For individuals with gambling problems, it is preferable to play Belago compared to similar casino games offered by foreign betting companies, as the potential financial losses at foreign companies could be more substantial,” he elaborated.
Last week, Norway informed the European Commission of its new gambling legislation, which will unify the country’s lottery law, gambling law, and total lottery law, while preserving Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto’s exclusive dominance in the market. However, non-profit organizations will be permitted to offer low-turnover lottery games with modest prizes.
The legislation states: “The Act will align the laws governing the Norwegian gambling industry and establish a more consistent and systematic approach to risk assessment, enforcement, and penalties within the industry.”
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