Norway has some of the strictest, most polished gambling laws in the world, with two government-controlled entities dominating the entire industry. It’s also a unique place to play online casino games in that it allows foreign casinos to operate in the country, albeit under a stringent set of regulations put in place to ensure maximum safety for Norwegian players.
Still, there are enough shady operators that looking for a secure casino sometimes feels like “navigating a minefield,”. Understanding Norway’s strict policies can help you choose your next casino with more confidence and leave more energy to focus on bonuses, games, and other casino goodies.
Norway’s Gambling Regulations Today
Let’s take a step back and offer a bird’s eye view of the current state of affairs regarding gambling regulation in Norway.
The entirety of gambling in the country is regulated by the Norwegian Gambling Act, which delegates the gambling activities to the state-owned Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping. The former oversees horse racing, while the latter oversees the state lottery, sports betting, and, crucially, online casinos.
Now, this is where the unique element of Norway’s regulation kicks in. The Act doesn’t outlaw foreign operators from entering the market so long as they are regulated by some of the top licensing bodies in other countries, which is to say that joining a foreign casino is perfectly legal. Payment methods may be somewhat different, and these operators are not allowed to advertise, but legality is not an issue.
Are Foreign Online Casinos Safe?
As a result, Norwegian casino players are free to choose between Norsk Tipping casinos and foreign casinos. But not just any foreign casinos. The Gambling Act stipulates that only casinos compliant with EU and EEA regulations can operate within the country. That includes online operators that hold any of the most respected licenses like:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA);
- The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC);
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission
- Gibraltar Gambling Commission, etc.
These are all top regulatory bodies in their respective countries and ones you can completely trust regarding safety. If a casino has any of these under its belt, it is considered safe to play.
Restrictions of Foreign Casinos
Still, Norway plays favorites with the state-owned online casinos when compared to foreign operators. The latter comes with several restrictions that don’t impact players too much but do have an effect on how they go about their business.
The main restrictions faced by foreign casinos are:
- Local license: However pristine their reputation, they cannot obtain a local license and be level with Norsk Tipping casinos;
- Gambling advertising: Foreign operators are forbidden from advertising their services to Norwegian players.
- Inconsistent payment methods: Some payment methods are restricted in Norway, meaning foreign casinos won’t have consistent banking offers.
You can sign up with any of the legible online casinos just as you would the state-owned operators. Other than the third restriction, the rest won’t impact your experience in any shape or form. Still, PaysafeCard, E-wallets, or cryptocurrency are all accepted.
Are They Worth It?
Foreign online casinos in Norway are very much worth it for at least three reasons. Firstly, they are every bit as safe as casinos that operate under the umbrella of Norsk Tipping. Secondly, not curbed by the necessity to donate some of their profits, foreign casinos are free to offer more lucrative welcome bonuses to entice Norwegian casino enthusiasts.
And lastly, foreign online casinos are more varied compared to state-regulated operators. So, feel free to find the most suitable platform and start playing.
Brian Smithson 
