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What is the future for Norway’s betting monopoly?
Norway currently enforces a strict ban on all online betting run by anyone other than monopoly operator Norsk Tipping. Yet, despite its latest efforts to keep unlicensed operators out, there are still other options available for Norwegians as it isn’t stopping the people from playing at foreign licensed operators should they choose to.
The policy of making Norsk Tipping the sole licensed operator while keeping foreign betting companies off the Norwegian market has been a favoured approach by shifting governments in the country over several decades.
For the most part, this has been uncontested by the general population. The services offered by Norsk Tipping have typically been satisfactory for most players and with Norsk Tipping’s obligation to return its profit to society, this has been accepted by many as a fair compromise.
The motivation behind this policy is often said to be a desire to protect players by controlling which types of gambling services are made available. Allocating money from the gambling industry to organisations working towards the greater good of society is also seen as important.
However, with international betting companies entering the Norwegian market by offering their services online, this strategy is proving increasingly hard to keep up. Several measures have been taken in the last couple of years to ensure that unlicensed operators stay out of the Norwegian market, for example by blocking transactions to gambling sites. Despite being met with criticism, Lottstift shows no signs of giving in to the external pressure.
The shift to online complicates matters
Competition among online betting companies is fierce, and considering how difficult it is for one country to legislate online activity without resorting to means more often seen in countries of a far less democratic nature, the challenges faced by Norsk Tipping are getting bigger.
In addition, as regulation fails to keep international online actors out, many argue that today’s situation in Norway is, in reality, a free-for-all system where companies required to follow strict regulations in most neighbouring countries are given a free pass to target Norwegian players.
A quick look at the Norwegian comparison site Oddsbonuser.nu tells us that a lot of operators are interested in the country and some of these would welcome regulation.
For example, Kindred Group and Betsson Group – both members of Norsk bransjeforening for onlinespill (NBO). As can be read on their website, “NBO will promote the introduction of a responsible and sustainable licensing regulation of the Norwegian online gambling market”.
Even though regulation is very unlikely at this point, it’s hard not to fall into the pit of ‘what if’. Close at hand is the situation in Sweden, which regulated the gambling market in 2019.
Sweden had previously followed a similar path, before abandoning its monopoly. Betting companies can now – by obtaining a licence – operate and advertise on the Swedish market, given that they follow regulations set by Swedish authorities, including paying Swedish taxes.
This naturally means tougher competition for state-owned former monopolist Svenska Spel, but also that politicians now can regulate and limit how betting companies can operate, for example when it comes to promotions and bonuses. But even so, recent proposals of further tightening the regulation in Sweden have caused waves amongst the licensed operators in the country.
The operators and Spelinspektionen, the Swedish Gambling Authority, are worried that this might cause players to move away from licensed operators and that the black market will grow even bigger – making it worse than pre-regulation in the country. With this in mind, Lottstift is likely even more certain that their strategy is better left unchanged.
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Goa Introduces an Entirely Online Lottery Platform
In a move towards modernising India’s lottery sector, the state of Goa has introduced an entirely online lottery platform, sanctioned by the Directorate of Small Savings and Lotteries. This initiative, known as Great Goa Games, aims to bring transparency and convenience to an industry that has long grappled with allegations of mismanagement and fraud.
Ticket sales commenced Monday, with the inaugural draw set for Sunday. Rhiti Group, led by founder Arun Pandey, was granted the license to operate and market the platform. “Our mission is to democratize opportunities through technology,” Pandey stated, emphasizing the secure and user-friendly nature of the app-based system.
Goa government official Narayan Gad lauded the move as a step forward for the Indian lottery sector. “With our online lottery streamlining processes through technology, we are setting a new standard in the lottery industry,” Gad remarked. “The technology-based product will enhance transparency and ensure improved monitoring and regulation of operations.”
This development follows new rules governing online lotteries, introduced by the Goa directorate in February 2023. Currently, 13 states in India, including Goa, allow lottery games, though others have banned them due to concerns over gambling addiction and operational irregularities.
The post Goa Introduces an Entirely Online Lottery Platform appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Catena Media Announces Board Changes
Catena Media’s board of directors announced the appointment of Stephen Taylor-Matthews as non-executive director and the departure of Øystein Engebretsen from the board of directors.
Based in London, Stephen Taylor-Matthews is a tech entrepreneur, executive advisor and investor with over two decades of experience in online gaming, sports betting and data analytics.
He is the founder of Polynate, an AI-first company delivering next-generation sports engagement solutions, and has worked at Underdog Fantasy, GoatGaming and Betgenius in previous roles.
Stephen Taylor-Matthews commented: “Catena Media is in a transformation phase and I’m excited to be joining the board at this juncture and to contributing my industry expertise and insight.”
The appointment coincides with the departure from the board of Øystein Engebretsen, who has served as non-executive director since September 2018.
Erik Flinck, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said: “Øystein has made a valuable and important contribution to Catena Media for more than six years. I warmly thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his current and future ventures. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Stephen Taylor-Matthews to the board. His experience and expertise will be a valuable asset for Catena Media as we move forward.”
Stephen Taylor-Matthews’ appointment will become effective once all necessary filings are made with the Malta Business Registry, and his term will run up until the end of the next annual general meeting, in accordance with the Maltese Companies Act and Catena Media’s articles of association.
The post Catena Media Announces Board Changes appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Endorphina Partners with R. Franco Digital to Expand Reach
The leading online slot games provider, Endorphina, has announced a brand-new partnership with R. Franco Digital, a renowned manufacturer of AWP machines. This collaboration allows Endorphina to expand its reach in the Spanish and Latin American markets.
Endorphina is one of the top iGaming software providers for the B2B market, developing online slots that cater to a wide range of slot enthusiasts. Over the years, the provider has established itself as one of the most innovative slot suppliers in the industry, dedicated to expanding its products to players worldwide.
Zdenek Llosa, Senior Partnership Manager at Endorphina, said: “We are genuinely excited to join forces with R. Franco Digital, a trusted name with a rich legacy in the Spanish and Latin American gaming world. Partnering with a platform that shares our passion for quality and player satisfaction is truly inspiring. Together with the R. Franco team, we look forward to creating memorable, fun experiences that bring joy and excitement to our shared communities across Spain and LATAM. This collaboration feels like the beginning of something truly special.”
Franco Digital, a subsidiary of the Recreativos Franco Group, has been known for providing its customers with the best turnkey solutions for over 50 years. As a pioneering manufacturer of AWP machines, R. Franco Digital is founded on an innovative company culture that uses the best methodologies and technologies available, working with talented and disruptive people to deliver the best solutions.
“At R. Franco Digital, we are always striving to enhance our platform with innovative, top-quality content that resonates with our audiences, particularly in Spain and Latin America. Partnering with Endorphina allows us to bring a fresh, engaging catalog of games to our players, combining our platform’s power with Endorphina’s creativity and expertise. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering premium gaming experiences tailored for Spanish-speaking markets,” said Javier Sacristán, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital.
The post Endorphina Partners with R. Franco Digital to Expand Reach appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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