As Norway ramps up its efforts to better protect young people from gambling-related harm, The Norwegian Gaming Authority (NGA) has reportedly joined forces with the Norwegian Consumer Authority (NCA) and the Norwegian Media Authority (NMA). This comes amid a growing concern of young users calling the national gambling helpline with issues regarding 바카라-style mechanics in video games.
Gaming and gambling: where do we draw the line?
The collaboration comes as line between gaming and gambling blurs. Increasingly, popular video games are embedding features that mirror 바카라 mechanics. These include loot boxes, randomised rewards, and in-game purchases that mimic slot machine dynamics. This trend becomes problematic for young players owing to the popularity of video games, which now become a medium to introduce them to gambling-like behaviour. The Norwegian Media Authority’s Children and Media 2024 study found that nearly 90 percent of Norwegians playing video games are aged 9–18. It also finds that almost half of them engage in gameplay daily.
The NGA has long monitored gambling activities but is now shifting focus to digital gaming environments. It recognises the infiltration of gambling into everyday entertainment. Bente Øverli, director at the NCA, has been vocal about how games increasingly blur the line between play and pay, emphasising the danger of normalising gambling behaviours among youth. She noted that gambling and purchases have become a well-known aspect of computer games. NMA director Mari Velsand stressed the effectiveness of collaboration. She stressed the importance of working together, referencing the successful removal of illegal gambling ads from Norwegian television as an example.
As per data from the NGA, 64 percent of individuals that reach out to the national gambling helpline have identified 바카라 games, particularly online slot machines, as the main reason for having gambling problem. Last year, the national gambling helpline received 836 calls, slightly up from 831 in 2023. Meanwhile, coming to the demographics, 88 percent of callers were male. Additionally, 35 percent were under 25, and 49 percent of those linked to video games were under 18.
Norway’s efforts against illegal gambling
Meanwhile, Norway’s efforts against the gaming black market might have exceeded reasonable bounds. The Norwegian government is now under renewed scrutiny as the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority (ESA) opens a preliminary investigation into the country’s Payment Transaction Ban (PTB) — a ban that critics say is overreaching and incompatible with European Economic Area law. The development was confirmed during the recent gaming conference, , and could have lasting impacts on the ongoing debate over gambling regulation in Norway. In April, The NGA, Lotteritilsynet, blocked access to 57 gambling websites that were operating illegally in the country. This marked the regulator’s first blacklist as part of efforts to curb unlicensed gambling activities.
The country’s state-owned gambling monopoly, Norsk Tipping, was recently in hot water again for the third time in less than a year. The organisation was set to face NOK46 million in penalty fees after authorities discovered that its Eurojackpot and Lotto draws have been incorrectly handled for years. Norsk Tipping has been facing increasing scrutiny as a series of lottery blunders come to light ahead of the upcoming elections. These errors have fuelled the debate over whether Norway should dismantle its monopoly and adopt a licensing system similar to that of its Scandinavian neighbours.
