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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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Red Bull WOLOLO 2026 Takes Over London As Tickets Go On Sale For Eighth Edition: ‘Londinium’
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- Red Bull Wololo returns for its eighth edition, Red Bull Wololo: Londinium, taking place from April 1st – 6th, 2026.
- The tournament brings together elite Age of Empires strategists from around the globe to battle across Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV.
- London itself has been transformed into a living Age of Empires spectacle today, with a citywide takeover that lets fans experience the spirit of Age of Empires firsthand.
- Tickets for the Playoffs are available on eventbrite.co.uk/e/red-bull-wololo-playoffs-tickets-1974965913211?aff=oddtdtcreator,
- Tickets for the Grand Final are available on royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2026/red-bull-wololo-londinium, giving fans the chance to witness the world’s top Age of Empires players compete in iconic London venues.
The call of “Wololo” rings across the capital of the UK today as tickets officially go on sale for Red Bull Wololo: Londinium, the grandest chapter in Age of Empires competitive history. Taking place from April 1st – 6th, 2026, the renowned esports tournament will not only bring elite RTS competitors to London but transform the city itself in a landmark takeover celebrating the return of Red Bull Wololo for its eighth edition.
To mark the launch of ticket sales, Red Bull Wololo has staged a special takeover across London today, bringing Age of Empires to life in three iconic locations. From Leicester Square and Tower Bridge, to Hyde Park with the Royal Albert Hall rising in the distance, the streets have come alive with performers dressed as iconic characters from the game. Wielding medieval-style flags emblazoned with the Red Bull Wololo emblem, they offered passersby and fans a glimpse into the tournament and the chance to join the action as London beheld the spirit of Age of Empires.
In 2026, across six days of competition, Red Bull Wololo: Londinium will see the world’s best Age of Empires strategists battle for supremacy in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV, culminating in a historic Grand Final at the Royal Albert Hall – the first-ever Age of Empires orchestrated esports final, with a 40-piece orchestra performing the game’s legendary soundtrack live for over 2,500 fans.
Red Bull Wololo: Londinium Key Dates
- Group Stages: April 1st – 3rd, 2026 – Red Bull Gaming Sphere, Shoreditch
- Playoffs: April 4th – 5th, 2026 – The Odeon Luxe Cinema, Leicester Square
- Grand Final: April 6th, 2026 – Royal Albert Hall
The action kicks off at the Red Bull Gaming Sphere with the Group Stages before moving to the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square for the Playoffs, where top competitors from the Age of Empires II and Age of Empires IV qualifiers battle under the spotlight in one of London’s most iconic entertainment venues. The tournament will then reach its crescendo within the historic walls of the Royal Albert Hall, where players who have proven themselves worthy will face off for ultimate glory and a place in Age of Empires competitive history.
Tickets are now on sale for the Playoffs and Grand Final of Red Bull Wololo: Londinium. Secure your Playoff tickets (eventbrite.co.uk/e/red-bull-wololo-playoffs-tickets-1974965913211?aff=oddtdtcreator) and Grand Final tickets (royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2026/red-bull-wololo-londinium) . Don’t miss the chance to see elite esports players from around the world compete across Age of Empires titles in historic venues, as London itself becomes a stage for strategy and conquest.
Fans across the globe will be able to tune into the action for every stage of the tournament via the Red Bull Gaming Twitch and YouTube channels.
The post Red Bull WOLOLO 2026 Takes Over London As Tickets Go On Sale For Eighth Edition: ‘Londinium’ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Konami Digital Entertainment and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Have Signed a Partnership Agreement
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Konami Digital Entertainment pleased to announce the signing of a partnership agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. (Konami) announces a partnership agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been signed. CAF is the continental federation governing football associations in the African region, currently comprising 56 member countries and regions. CAF organises numerous tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, which determines the continent’s top football team, significantly contributing to the sport’s development.
In recent years, football has enjoyed overwhelming popularity in Africa, with interest in national and club teams rapidly increasing. Furthermore, interest and enthusiasm for eFootball are also growing, leading to the signing of this new licensing agreement with CAF.
To commemorate this partnership, a special AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS 25 Campaign will be held within eFootball. Tournament events and African star players will appear in the game, allowing players to experience the excitement of the actual tournament.
Koji Kobayashi, Senior Executive Officer, Konami Digital Entertainment commented: “We are delighted to announce the establishment of a partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This partnership brings new possibilities to the gaming experience, and we are truly excited to deliver the passion of the African region-home to some of the world’s most powerful footballing nations – to fans around the globe through eFootball, and this partnership opens up exciting new possibilities for the gaming experience. Through this initiative, we look forward to adding new African star players and tournament licenses such as TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, further enhancing the realism and excitement of eFootball.”
Véron Mosengo-Omba, General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) adds: “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be one of the most exciting and widely followed editions of our flagship competition. Our partnership with KONAMI reflects CAF’s commitment to innovation, global fan engagement, and creating new opportunities for African youth in both football and digital spaces.”
Konami Digital Entertainment will continue to expand its licenses and provide authentic soccer experiences to fans worldwide through eFootball.
The post Konami Digital Entertainment and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Have Signed a Partnership Agreement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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G2 Announces Betpanda as Official CS Global Betting Partner Ahead of 2026 Season
Reading Time: 2 minutes
- G2 has named Betpanda, a leading online crypto casino, as its official CS global betting partner
- Starting in 2026, Betpanda will appear on G2’s CS2 team jerseys
- Throughout the year, fans can take part in tournaments, giveaways, sweepstakes, and a variety of video and social content designed to enhance the fan experience
G2, one of the world’s leading entertainment and esports brands, has entered into a partnership with Betpanda, a leading online crypto casino, as the official global betting partner for the organisation’s Counter-Strike team. The collaboration will roll out a series of initiatives worldwide, including giveaways, sweepstakes, content, tournament activations, and more. As part of the collaboration, Betpanda branding will appear as the main logo on G2’s CS team jerseys from 2026.
Throughout 2026, fans will be able to experience the partnership first-hand at multiple esports tournament activations throughout the year, featuring creators and teams, offering exclusive in-person opportunities.
With a shared commitment to innovation and community, G2 and Betpanda aim to provide engaging experiences for fans throughout the year. The partnership will also extend to a range of digital activations, featuring exclusive video and social content, giveaways, and other initiatives.
“Betpanda joins us at an exciting moment for the organisation,” said Alban Dechelotte, CEO of G2. “This alliance allows us to build fresh, meaningful touchpoints for our fans throughout the year. We hope to create moments that will entertain and connect with fans all around the world.”
“G2 has set the standard for excellence in esports, and we’re proud to collaborate with a team that consistently pushes the boundaries of what the industry can be,” says Betpanda. “Their view on innovation and creativity goes perfectly hand-in-hand with our way of breaking boundaries and reaching new fans and audiences. Thank you to EMW Global for helping us to make this partnership possible. We’re excited to see the impact we can create alongside G2 in 2026”
The post G2 Announces Betpanda as Official CS Global Betting Partner Ahead of 2026 Season appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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