IBIA and Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming Sign MoU to Promote Licensing and Betting Integrity Framework in Norway
January 25, 2024
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming, also known as Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill (NBO), have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for cooperation. The aim is to promote a safe and effective local licensing and regulatory regime in Norway, with a focus on specific betting integrity provisions.
While Finland is committed to transitioning from a monopoly system to a licensing model by 2026, Norway’s adherence to a monopoly system contrasts with the prevailing approach in Europe, particularly in nearby countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
According to H2 Gambling Capital, a leading data and intelligence company for the global gambling industry, it is forecasted that almost half (43%) of Norway’s online betting Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) will be conducted offshore in 2024.
Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm, General Secretary of the NBO, stated, “Increasingly strong signals indicate that the Norwegian monopoly is not the most effective solution for consumer protection or industry integrity. Betting is a fully digital and international service that cannot be confined to local peculiarities. To establish the best possible framework, the gambling offering must be viewed comprehensively and regulated accordingly. The partnership between NBO and IBIA ensures a concerted effort to address responsible practices and supporting initiatives aimed at minimizing the impact of gambling-related harm.”
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, expressed, “IBIA welcomes the establishment of an MoU with the NBO. We will seek to support the NBO’s challenge of the continuation of a monopoly style approach to betting in Norway. The lack of licensing for responsible regulated betting operators in Norway hinders market oversight, consumer protection and the implementation of effective sports betting integrity provisions.”
IBIA, a globally recognized non-profit organization, aims to protect the integrity of the betting and sporting sectors. With over 50 member companies and 125 leading sports betting brands, IBIA monitors over $137 billion in betting turnover annually, establishing itself as the world’s leading operator-run integrity monitoring body.
IBIA’s Q3 2023 integrity report detailed 50 alerts reported in the quarter; the association’s Q4 and annual report for 2023 will be published in the coming weeks. In 2022, IBIA reported 268 alerts to the authorities, resulting in successful sporting or criminal sanctions against 15 teams, officials, or players where suspicious activity had been reported.
