Norsk Tipping Ordered to Tighten KongKasino Controls

Norsk Tipping Ordered to Tighten Controls on KongKasino – Regulator Cites Rising Player Numbers and Protection Risks

Key Takeaways

• Norway’s gambling regulator has ordered Norsk Tipping to introduce additional controls and individual checks on its online casino platform.
• The number of KongKasino players doubled from 200,000 in 2020 to 400,000 in 2025, with 50,000 new customers activated in 2025.
• Authorities are concerned about potential increases in problem gambling, particularly among younger players.
• Foreign operators are estimated to hold 31% of certain gambling verticals competing with state operators.
• Norwegian players are estimated to have lost NOK 1.9bn to foreign operators in 2025.

Regulator Orders Additional Controls on Online Casino Activity

Norway’s gambling regulator, Lotteritilsynet, has instructed state operator Norsk Tipping to implement additional controls and individual player checks on its online casino platform. The order was issued by Director General Atle Hamar following concerns about the rapid increase in casino engagement.

The directive forms part of the regulator’s latest sustainability and accountability report submitted to the Ministry of Culture. According to Hamar, the number of online casino players at Norsk Tipping has doubled over the past five years. Regulators are particularly focused on the potential for gambling-related harm among younger users.

The measure targets Norsk Tipping’s KongKasino brand, which has experienced sustained growth. Player numbers increased from 200,000 in 2020 to 400,000 in 2025. In 2025 alone, 50,000 new customers were activated.

Balancing Channelisation and Player Protection

The regulator’s warning is linked to a broader assessment of how Norway balances channelisation objectives with consumer protection responsibilities. Channelisation refers to the policy goal of directing players toward licensed domestic operators rather than offshore companies.

Lotteritilsynet continues to view Norway’s monopoly framework, operated by Norsk Tipping and horse racing operator Norsk Rikstoto, as effective in steering consumers into regulated channels. The authority estimates that foreign operators account for between 12% and 14% of Norway’s total gambling market, corresponding to approximately 13% market share based on Gross Gaming Revenue.

However, in gambling verticals that directly compete with foreign operators, including sports betting, casino games and horse racing wagering, the competitive balance differs. In these segments, foreign operators are estimated to hold 31% of market share. Norsk Tipping accounts for 55%, while Norsk Rikstoto holds 14%.

Authorities consider these segments to require closer scrutiny. Regulators are concerned that if spending limits on regulated platforms are reached, some players may migrate to illegal offshore operators.

Focus on Younger Players and Risk Awareness

Lotteritilsynet has highlighted specific concerns about younger demographics entering regulated gambling for the first time. According to the authority, some consumers may already have established gambling behaviours influenced by gaming environments and exposure to gambling-related content online.

Hamar stated that regulators are particularly concerned about growing interest in casino games among young people and whether this could lead to increased gambling problems in the coming years.

To address these risks, Lotteritilsynet has proposed stronger proactive interventions and additional friction measures for higher-risk gambling products. One proposal under consideration would require players to complete mandatory information modules and risk awareness prompts before accessing casino offerings.

The regulator believes that enhanced educational measures could help consumers make more informed decisions when engaging with higher-risk formats.

Self-Exclusion Measures and Foreign Market Exposure

In its report, Lotteritilsynet also pointed to developments within Norsk Tipping’s responsibility framework. Following regulatory pressure, the visibility of self-exclusion tools was improved after total registrations increased by 200% in 2025.

At the same time, the regulator reported that fewer Norwegian players used foreign gambling companies in 2025 compared with the previous year. According to official measurements, 2.6% of players used foreign operators in 2025, down from 3.8% in 2024.

Despite this decline in participation, Norwegian players are estimated to have lost approximately NOK 1.9bn to foreign gambling operators during 2025. This figure stands around NOK 500m above 2024 estimates, although the regulator cautioned that methodological changes to market calculations make direct year on year comparisons difficult.

The Ministry of Culture has continued to reject calls from European trade bodies to review the regulatory framework that grants exclusive rights to state-owned firms. While Norway participates in the European Economic Area, it is not a member of the European Union and does not fall under all EU competition obligations. The Storting maintains that exclusive rights for Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto are justified on public interest grounds, as both organisations raise funds for sports and welfare projects overseen by the Ministry of Culture.

Our Assessment

The order from Lotteritilsynet reflects increased regulatory scrutiny of online casino growth within Norway’s monopoly system. Rapid expansion of the KongKasino brand, combined with concerns about younger players and potential migration to offshore operators, has prompted authorities to require additional controls and consider mandatory risk awareness measures. At the same time, the regulator continues to defend the monopoly framework as effective in limiting foreign market participation, even as losses to offshore operators remain significant in absolute terms.