Norway tightens bingo rules with loss limits and mandatory player registration

The introduction of new measures will be staggered, Norway’s culture and equality minister Lubna Jaffery said. Rules will apply to games at bingo halls across the country.

“Electronic bingo games in bingo halls and online in connection with the bingo venue have for a long time been allowed to operate without loss limits,” Jaffery explained. “This has come at the expense of vulnerable players and their relatives. That is why we are now putting in place more responsible frameworks around these gambling games.”

The first major change comes into force from 1 January 2025. This will see a requirement for games suppliers to register in order to provide content to bingo halls.

From 1 September next year, each venue must allow customers to set loss limits for electronic bingo games. Bingo halls must make players aware of this option and support them in setting any limits.

Also from 1 September, there will be a requirement for each bingo venue to register.

Government hoped for earlier introduction of new bingo rules

The new measures follow a wide-reaching consultation that drew more than 500 responses, Jaffery explained.

The government had hoped the rules would be in place before the end of the current year but chose to listen to the industry to allow time for venues to prepare she added.

“Our gambling policy is based on the consideration of people who are in the risk zone for gambling addiction. The exclusive rights model is built on accountability and I therefore believe it is right to primarily take the vulnerable players into account here.

“The consequences for people with gambling problems and their relatives can be enormous.”