Online gaming advertisements face resistance on social media platforms from the Norwegian government
In the digital age, the lines between legal and illegal online activities can sometimes blur. This is particularly true in the realm of online gambling, where the Norwegian Gambling Authority (Lotteritilsynet) is taking a firm stance.
The authority, which oversees both state-controlled and private gaming in Norway, has recently declared a zero-tolerance stance towards social media platforms promoting online gambling content and live streams. This decision comes after Lottstift took serious action against Schpell.com, a platform allegedly linked to illegal gambling.
Legal gambling in Norway is limited to Norsk Tipping AS and Norsk Rikstoto, with all other online gambling activities being illegal. The Norwegian Gambling Authority actively blocks and restricts unlicensed gambling websites, as demonstrated in April 2025 when 57 unlicensed sites were blocked.
Advertising, including on social media, is heavily regulated in Norway. Gambling advertising must be tightly controlled and restricted to authorized operators to protect consumers. While explicit current penalties specific to social media promotion are not detailed, the regulatory framework strongly restricts unauthorized gambling marketing, including online ads. Social media advertising generally requires adult customer opt-in under European trends, which likely influences Norwegian policy given its strict regulatory stance.
If platforms or individuals promote unlicensed online gambling content on social media, they would be violating Norwegian gambling laws enforced by Lotteritilsynet, which has powers to block access and impose penalties on unauthorized operators and advertising. Penalties for illegal gambling operations and associated promotions typically include fines, blocking of websites, and potentially criminal charges under Norwegian law.
Lottstift has issued cease-and-desist warnings to Baris Entertainment AS and Viken Underholdning AS, allegedly linked to illegal gambling. The authority has also directed Tiergarten Marketing Ltd, the operator of Schpell.com, to halt all marketing activities within Norway due to non-compliance with gambling advertising regulations.
Monica AlisΓΈy Kjelsnes, the director of Lottstift, emphasized the targeting of a young audience in live streams promoting unlicensed casinos. She noted Schpell's use of Norwegian influencers, stating that much of their marketing is geared towards Norwegian consumers.
This approach aligns with a global trend, as seen in Brazil's similar measure against social media influencers advertising unregulated gambling last December. Lottstift has also directed social media platforms to exercise caution with Norwegian influencer content, ensuring compliance with current advertising regulations.
It is crucial for businesses to comply with these regulations by February 20, or risk potential fines and non-compliance violation fees. This crackdown on unlicensed online gambling and social media promotion is a significant step towards maintaining a safe and regulated online gaming environment in Norway.
- The Norwegian Gambling Authority has declared a zero-tolerance stance towards social media platforms promoting online gambling content and live streams, as they are allegedly linked to illegal gambling activities.
- The regulatory framework in Norway strongly restricts unauthorized gambling marketing, including online ads on social media, and non-compliance may lead to fines, blocking of websites, and potential criminal charges.
- Lottstift, the Norwegian Gambling Authority, has directed social media platforms to exercise caution with Norwegian influencer content to ensure compliance with current advertising regulations.
- This crackdown on unlicensed online gambling and social media promotion is a significant step towards maintaining a safe and regulated online gaming environment in Norway, aligning with a global trend seen in Brazil's similar measure against social media influencers advertising unregulated gambling.
