January 25, 2024 –The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) and the Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming / Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill (NBO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a cooperation framework to promote a safe local licensing and regulatory regime and effective in Norway, together with specific betting integrity provisions.

With Finland committed to ending its gambling monopoly system in favor of a licensing model by 2026, Norway’s continuation of a monopoly system is contrary to the prevailing approach taken across Europe, particularly in neighboring countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Germany.

H2 Gambling Capital, the leading data and intelligence firm for the global gambling industry, predicts that almost half (43%) of Norwegian online betting GGR will be conducted offshore in 2024.

Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm, general secretary of the NBO, said: “Increasingly strong signals indicate that the Norwegian monopoly is not the most effective solution for consumer protection or industry integrity. Betting is a fully digital and international service that cannot be confined to local peculiarities. To create the best possible environment, the gambling offer must be considered comprehensively and regulated accordingly.

“The partnership between NBO and IBIA ensures a concerted effort to address responsible practices and support initiatives to minimize the impact of gambling-related harms.”

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said: “IBIA welcomes the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding with the NBO. We will seek to support the NBO’s challenge to continue a monopolistic style approach to betting in Norway. The lack of licenses for responsible regulated betting operators in Norway hinders market supervision, consumer protection and the implementation of effective sports betting integrity provisions.”

IBIA is a globally recognized non-profit organization that seeks to protect the integrity of the betting and sports industries. Its members include more than 50 companies and 125 leading sports betting brands with more than $137 billion in bets annually, making IBIA the leading operator-run integrity monitoring body in the world.

of the IBIA Q3 2023 Integrity Report detailed 50 reports reported in the quarter; the association’s fourth quarter and 2023 annual report will be released in the coming weeks. The association reported 268 reports to authorities in 2022, with successful sporting or criminal sanctions against 15 teams, officials or players for whom the IBIA had reported suspicious activity during their matches.