Online gambling in Norway: the Gambling Act explained in plain English
Who may offer games, what the rules on marketing and payments say, how the 2025 DNS blocking works and what it means for players. Facts from the law and the regulator, nothing more.
Short answer: Norway's Gambling Act (pengespilloven) gives Norsk Tipping the exclusive right to offer casino games and most other gambling, and Norsk Rikstoto the right to horse betting. The rules are aimed at the companies offering games and at those who market them or handle their payments. Lotteritilsynet, the regulator, states that a player has not done anything illegal by visiting a site that has been blocked. The age limit for all gambling is 18.
- Law
- Lov om pengespill (LOV-2022-03-18-12), in force since 1 January 2023
- Regulator
- Lotteri- og stiftelsestilsynet (Lotteritilsynet)
- DNS blocking
- Since 1 January 2025; 238 sites from 72 companies blocked
- Age limit
- 18 (§ 7)
The Gambling Act in one paragraph
The Act on Gambling (pengespilloven, LOV-2022-03-18-12) came into force on 1 January 2023. It is built on exclusive rights: a small number of organisations may offer gambling in Norway, and other companies may not. It also sets rules for anyone who markets gambling or handles its payments. The full Norwegian text is on Lovdata.
Who may offer games in Norway
Section 10 gives Norsk Tipping the exclusive right to offer gambling, including online casino games. Section 14 gives Norsk Rikstoto the exclusive right to betting on horse racing. Lotteritilsynet keeps a public list of the companies that are allowed to offer gambling in Norway.
The age limit
Section 7 sets an 18-year age limit for all gambling. It applies to lotteries, betting and casino games alike.
Marketing: why you see so few casino adverts
Section 6 bans the marketing of gambling that does not have a Norwegian permit, and also bans assisting with such marketing. This covers advertising on TV, online and through other channels aimed at Norway. When gambling is marketed, the regulations (section 15 of pengespillforskriften) require the age limit and contact details for Hjelpelinjen to be shown clearly. That is why both appear at the top and bottom of every page on this site.
Payments: why some transfers are stopped
Section 5 bans facilitating payment transactions for gambling without a Norwegian permit. The details are in section 96 of the regulations. In practice, Norwegian banks and payment providers stop many card payments and transfers to gambling sites without a permit.
For players, the visible effect is that the payment methods available at international casinos change often. A method that worked last month may not work today. We explain what this means for withdrawals in our guide to fast payout casinos.
DNS blocking since 2025
Section 32 a allows Lotteritilsynet to order internet providers to block the websites of gambling companies without a Norwegian permit. Blocking started on 1 January 2025. According to Lotteritilsynet, 238 websites from 72 companies have been blocked, and in September 2026 the regulator sent blocking notices for 62 more sites.
The blocking is aimed at the companies, not at players. Lotteritilsynet states that a player has not done anything illegal by visiting a site that has been blocked.
What the law means for players
The rules described above are aimed at those who offer, market or process payments for gambling, and the blocking targets the companies' websites. In everyday terms, this is what players in Norway notice:
- Sites without a Norwegian permit may be blocked at DNS level, and their adverts should not reach you in Norway.
- Your bank may refuse a deposit or a withdrawal to or from such a site.
- Winnings from foreign commercial operators can be taxable (see below), unlike winnings from Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto.
We describe the law here. We do not give advice on where to play.
Tax on gambling winnings
According to Skatteetaten, single winnings over NOK 10,000 from taxable gambling must be reported. Winnings from foreign commercial operators, which includes most online casinos, are generally taxable above that amount. Winnings from Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto are tax-free. There is an exemption for some operators in the EEA, but only where the whole profit goes to charitable or non-profit purposes. Check Skatteetaten's page on winnings for the current rules and how to report.
Help, pauses and self-exclusion
Hjelpelinjen is free and anonymous on 800 800 40, by phone on weekdays from 09 to 18 and by chat from 11 to 15. Lotteritilsynet's page on gambling problems explains how to pause or exclude yourself at Norsk Tipping, Norsk Rikstoto and online bingo. Gamban, which blocks gambling sites on your own devices, is available free through Hjelpelinjen, Norsk Tipping (62 50 77 70) or Spillavhengighet Norge (47 70 02 00).
Online gambling in Norway: frequently asked questions
Is online gambling legal in Norway?
Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto may offer online gambling in Norway. Other companies may not. The rules are aimed at companies, marketers and payment providers, and Lotteritilsynet states that a player has not done anything illegal by visiting a blocked site.
Who regulates gambling in Norway?
Lotteri- og stiftelsestilsynet, usually called Lotteritilsynet.
When did DNS blocking start?
On 1 January 2025, under section 32 a of the Gambling Act.
Do I pay tax on casino winnings in Norway?
Single winnings over NOK 10,000 from foreign commercial operators are generally taxable and must be reported, according to Skatteetaten. Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto winnings are tax-free.
18+. This page describes the law and is not legal advice. Hjelpelinjen is free and anonymous: 800 800 40.
Sources: pengespilloven (Lovdata) · pengespillforskriften (Lovdata) · Lotteritilsynet: permitted gambling companies · Lotteritilsynet: DNS blocking · Skatteetaten: winnings · Lotteritilsynet: gambling problems. Checked 29.10.2026.