May 6, 2025 — The Norwegian online gambling market continues its steady growth trajectory, driven by a combination of advanced digital infrastructure and a tightly regulated environment dominated by state-owned operators. According to a new report by iGamingToday, Norway’s iGaming sector is expected to reach a total value of $1.53 billion by 2025, with the online segment alone projected at €1.2 billion.
Despite being one of the most restrictive gambling markets in Europe, Norway maintains a solid user base and increasing engagement levels, thanks largely to the centralized operations of Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto — the country’s only licensed gambling providers.
Market Overview: Growth Within Limits
The report outlines a projected 65.1% user penetration by 2025, which translates to approximately 2.1 million active players. Among these, Norsk Tipping has reported 2 million active users, marking an 11% increase compared to 2023.
In terms of player preferences, the most popular verticals are:
- Slot games (35%)
- Sports betting (30%)
- Lotteries (20%)
This distribution reflects a relatively balanced portfolio, suggesting diversified consumer interests within the regulated offerings.
Player Demographics and Behavior
The iGamingToday report provides a detailed player profile:
- 65% of users are male
- 38% are aged between 26 and 40
- 75% primarily play via mobile devices, though 55% also use desktops
- 10% of players use cryptocurrencies, mainly for anonymity
- Average spending per user is 23% lower than the European average
These figures underscore both the digital savviness and cautious spending behavior of Norwegian players, likely influenced by the country’s strong culture of responsible gaming and state oversight.
Regulatory Environment: Strict Yet Stable
Norway’s gambling market remains one of the most tightly regulated in Europe. The regulatory body, Lotteritilsynet, maintains strict control over market access. Only two entities — Norsk Tipping (for lotteries, sports betting, and online casino games) and Norsk Rikstoto (for horse racing) — hold legal operating licenses.
Key regulatory features include:
- Tax on offshore winnings: 22–38% for amounts exceeding $960
- New bingo spending limits introduced in 2025
- 57 unlicensed sites were blocked in 2024
This monopolistic framework has made market entry extremely difficult for international operators. Nevertheless, industry observers note that potential liberalization by 2028 could open doors for new entrants, subject to compliance with strict consumer protection and localization standards.
Outlook: High Barriers, Emerging Opportunities
While Norway remains a closed and highly regulated market, its steady digital adoption and high user engagement make it one of Europe’s most intriguing iGaming environments. Any future market liberalization would likely favor operators who prioritize responsible gambling, data security, and localized content.
In the meantime, the current structure continues to benefit the state, providing controlled growth with minimized social risk — a model that may serve as a blueprint for other markets considering a more restrictive regulatory path.
