Norway Announced Changes to Land-Based and Online Bingo Rules

Norway’s government has introduced important changes to its bingo regulations to tighten responsible gambling measures. The goal is to reinforce protection by implementing loss limits and mandatory player registration. The new measures apply for both retail and online bingo games.

A New Dawn for Bingo Regulations

For a long time, playing bingo online or at a retail location followed no regulations regarding loss limits, which has raised multiple concerns about gambling harm and how it affects vulnerable players.

Norway’s Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery articulated that the government is commited to safeguarding these individuals: “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.”

Key Changes and Implementation Timeline

The new regulations entered full force on January 1, 2025. One of the first steps was for game providers to register to provide content to bingo halls and online bingo sites. From September 1, 2025, all gaming venues must register and allow players to set personal loss limits. Players will receive assistance from bingo halls while establishing these limits.

The government initially intended to introduce these measures by the end of 2024. However, Minister Jaffery explained that they considered industry feedback instead and decided to delay the process and give everyone time to adapt to the new requirements.

She also highlighted that Norway’s new gambling policy focuses on those at risk for addiction. Additionally, she highlighted that the impact on those struggling with gambling issues and their families can be significant.

A Broader Move Toward Responsible Gambling

The Norsk government was surely influenced by a broader European trend toward reinforcing player protection policies. Who knows, maybe other changes await online casinos in Norway as well.

In 2019, the UK launched its national self-exclusion scheme for gambling, known as GAMSTOP. Then, in 2019, Sweden introduced Spelpaus, a program where players can self-exclude from websites licensed by the Swedish Gambling Authority.

The new regulations for playing bingo online or at land-based venues show Norway’s involvement in responsible gambling. The process needs investments in technology and staff training, which is why the government’s decision to postpone part of the implementation to September 2025 seems logical. Although these operational challenges are important, the industry seems to be rebuilding trust and encouraging responsible participation among players.

Conclusion

We’re happy to see Norway’s updated bingo regulations shifting towards responsible gambling. As the new reforms take effect, the country sets a precedent within the local gaming market. Moreover, it offers a model for other nations, such as Finland, poised to introduce competitive commercial gambling in 2026.