Best Online Casinos In Norway 2024

History of casino gambling in Norway

Norway legalized gambling in 1902. The country's gambling law - the 1992 Gaming Scheme Act has stringent rules. Some argue that the Act is the strictest in Europe.

The 1995 Lottery Act made slot machines and betting on them legal in Norway. However, the laws were weak, and the evolution of slots to five-reel machines with bonuses quickly outgrew them. Norwegians warmly welcomed the advent of slots; by 2004, the revenue from slots was more than NOK26 billion.

In 2003, an amendment was presented; however, the slot companies contested it in court, preventing it from becoming law. In the end, interactive video terminals were implemented in 2009, and slots were finally outlawed in Norway in 2007.

Yet again, in 2008, the government placed a ban on offshore gambling sites. Soon after, debit and credit cards were also banned from being used on offshore sites. However, these restrictions were considered lenient as there has been no enforcement to ensure strict following as it has done for other rules.

Later, in 2010, the Norwegian government passed a law prohibiting banks from processing gambling-related funds.

Although the government regulates gambling, the responsible bodies have failed to meet the needs of players. Hence, most online gamblers in Norway have turned to offshore gambling sites since they offer better bonuses and options for users.

How are online casinos regulated in Norway?

The whole gambling industry in Norway is under the government and regulated by two separate bodies. The Norsk Rikstoto regulates horse racing, while Norsk Tipping As regulates casino games, sports betting, and all other online gambling activities.

Norway's legislation emphasizes responsible gambling more than any other European country. While online gambling is considered legal in Norway, the government has banned offshore gambling sites.

Only the Norsk Tipping organisation can create legal real-money casinos and games. Although the law allows private individuals to organize gambling parties and occasions, they must be strictly not-for-profit.

The Ministry of Culture controls the regulating body and is the only authority to change the regulations. Although Norwegians keep signing up at offshore gambling websites, the regulations make it so that they declare their winnings and pay taxes on them.

Top 5 best online casinos in Norway

Online casinos thrive in Norway, allowing players to enjoy the thrills of gambling online. To enable you to make the best decision, we have curated the best five online casinos in Norway.

#1 Starda

Starda Casino offers new Norwegian players a premium online betting experience by providing competitive odds, a broad betting market, and engaging gameplay.

#2 1xBet

1xbet offers new players a massive welcome bonus along with immersive gameplay. The wagering requirements are fair, and players can easily deposit and withdraw.

#3 Megapari

Megapari has substantially impacted the Norwegian gambling market with its fast payout methods and wide selection of casino games like slots to table games, live games, and sports betting.

#4 Sportaza

Sportaza has earned recognition in Norway for its varied betting offerings, including various slots and live casino games, a user-friendly website, and appealing bonuses.

#5 Rabona

Rabona Casino has made considerable strides in Norway's online gambling market. It provides players with competitive odds and a wide selection of games like Baccarat, slots, video poker, and live games.

The best casinos in Norway: Comparison

Overall, casinos in Norway offer impressive bonuses and promotions to players. We have examined these casinos based on multiple key elements.

Main provisions of gambling regulations in Norway

Over time, Norway has passed several laws and regulations relating to the operations of land-based and online casinos. These laws include The Gaming Act of 1992, The Lottery Act of 1995, and the old Totalisator Act. The primary purpose of these gambling laws and regulations in Norway is to create standards that casino games and businesses should follow to foster responsible gambling and prevent financial problems.

The Gaming Act

This law was passed in 1992 and granted the Norsk Tipping AS, the main regulating body for online casinos, the sole right to conduct lottery and football betting activities, subject only to the Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs.

The Lottery Act

The Lottery Act of 1995 is an extensive law that defines and specifies various real money and lottery games. This Act allows individuals and private organizations to organize gambling events for charity or social purposes only.

The Totalisator Act

This is the oldest standing statue in Norway. Passed in 1927, this Act grants the Norsk Rikstoto the exclusive rights to offer horse race betting services and is under the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Only persons 18 years and older can play real money games or place bets in Norway. In 2021, the legislation also prevented the advertisement of foreign gambling products. However, in the case of Norwegian gambling businesses that operate in foreign countries, the regulation only allows for advertising on foreign magazines and TV channels.

The Norwegian Gambling Authority has a risk-based strategy, concentrating its resources on problems and gambling establishments that might pose the most significant risk. They conduct audits to ensure that gaming operators follow set guidelines and take action against illegal gaming, pyramid schemes, and any instances where they discover operators are not abiding by the regulations and rules.

In the case of shortcomings, the concerned parties are notified. If required, the authorities will take enforcement action using regulatory authority against gaming operators and other parties that offer or promote such gambling activities.

The most popular casino games in Norway

Slots

As always, slots top the list of popular games in Norway and everywhere else. Even though slot games are banned, many gamblers still play sites at offshore online casinos accepting players from Norway.

• Book of Dead
• Sweet Bonanza
• Starburst
• Wanted Dead or a Wild
• Dead Canary

Poker

Poker is famous for its many styles and options of playing. Thus, Norwegian players have also developed a good feeling for the game.

Roulette

Roulette is a favourite in most land-based casinos. This game has also found its way into the online sphere, and many players enjoy playing roulette online.

Blackjack

Blackjack is an all-time classic casino game where players target the number 21 or aim to gain more points than the dealer. Playing Blackjack is fun and simple. This is primarily the go-to game for new casino players.

Baccarat

Another top game for casino players in Norway is the Baccarat. Players can place wagers on dealers, other players, or round results in this game. Depending on the risk level, bets have different odds.