TLDR Online casino users at Norsk Tipping grew from 200,000 in 2020 to 400,000 in 2026 50,000 new casino users were activated in 2025 alone Norway’s regulator ordered stronger player monitoring and individual controls Self-exclusion registrations surged 200% in 2025 Norwegian players lost an estimated NOK 1.9bn (~€165m) to foreign operators in 2025
Norway’s state gambling regulator is pushing for tighter controls after online casino use at state operator Norsk Tipping doubled in five years.
Lotteritilsynet, the Norwegian gambling authority, submitted figures to the Ministry of Culture showing the number of online casino users at Norsk Tipping climbed from around 200,000 in 2020 to roughly 400,000 in 2026.
Of those users, 50,000 were newly activated during 2025 alone.
The growth is centred on KongKasino, Norsk Tipping’s digital casino arm. Regulators describe casino products as among the highest-risk forms of gambling due to rapid play cycles and constant mobile availability.
Lotteritilsynet director general Atle Hamar responded by ordering additional player monitoring and stronger individual controls on casino activity.
Officials are also concerned about who is arriving on the platform. Regulators believe younger users are entering regulated gambling already shaped by gaming mechanics, influencer content and digital reward systems that blur the line between gaming and betting.
Norway’s Monopoly Model Under Strain
Norway runs a state monopoly gambling system through Norsk Tipping and horse-racing operator Norsk Rikstoto. The government argues this model protects consumers better than an open licensing system.
On some measures, the strategy appears to be working. Just 2.6% of Norwegians used foreign operators in 2025, down from 3.8% the year before.
But in the online casino, sports betting and horse wagering categories — where foreign firms directly compete — offshore operators still hold around 31% of the market. Norsk Tipping holds about 55% and Rikstoto accounts