Norway’s Opposition Party Pushes for Gambling Licensing Over Monopoly

A leading opposition party in Norway has declared the country’s current gambling monopoly “contrary to all common sense” and is actively pushing for a transition to a licensing model. Himanshu Gulati, a senior member of the Progress Party (FRP), outlined the party’s position at the annual conference of the Norwegian Trade Association of Online Gambling (NBO). The FRP, which currently polls around 30% in public opinion, believes the existing monopoly regime is no longer viable and should be replaced.

Gaming Policy Debate

Gulati emphasized the need for a more fact-based and knowledge-driven debate on gaming policy. He stated, “I want us to establish a licensing model.” He added that regardless of differing views on monopoly versus licensing within the country, a common factual basis is essential for constructive discussion. The Progress Party advocates for a system that allows for greater transparency and informed decision-making regarding gambling regulations.

Funding for Sports and Associations

A key point of contention raised by Gulati concerns the funding of sports and voluntary associations, traditionally supported by the state monopoly operator, Norsk Tipping. He questioned whether the current model is still sufficient or reliable for generating adequate revenue for these sectors. “Norwegian gaming policy has been closely linked to the income of sports, voluntary teams and associations,” Gulati noted. “We must be able to have a fact-based debate on whether the model we have had for all these years is still the model that will generate the most money for the purpose, given that the channeling is as low as it is when so many people play on gaming sites anyway. They are also fully allowed to do this.” This suggests a concern that the monopoly is not effectively capturing revenue from the existing online gambling market.

Player Protection and Match-Fixing Concerns

The Progress Party representative also highlighted that Norway’s current approach may be hindering efforts to manage gambling harms and combat match-fixing. By maintaining a strict monopoly, Gulati argued, the country is excluding companies with extensive experience in developing player protection mechanisms. “Some of the rules and restrictions we have are, in my opinion, contrary to all common sense,” he stated. He indicated that within his party, the implementation of a licensing model in the gaming sector has been a significant policy priority for many years, particularly in anticipation of potential government changes.

European Context

The push for a licensing model in Norway comes as many other European markets operate under such frameworks. The article notes that while partial state monopolies still exist elsewhere, Norway is poised to be the sole country in Europe maintaining a complete monopoly over all forms of gambling. This is especially true following Finland’s decision to liberalize its market starting in 2027, further isolating Norway’s current policy.

Key facts
| Aspect | Detail |
| :———————- | :——————————————————————— |
| Political Party | Progress Party (FRP), Norway |
| Key Advocate | Himanshu Gulati, Senior Member |
| Proposed Model | Licensing system |
| Current Model | State gambling monopoly |
| Stated Concerns | Effectiveness, player protection, funding for sports, match-fixing |
| Public Opinion (FRP) | Approximately 30% |

This development is relevant to PlayVideoPoker readers as it signals a potential shift in the regulatory landscape of a European market. Changes in gambling policy, particularly the move towards licensing, can impact the availability of online gaming options, player protections, and the overall market structure. For players interested in video poker and other forms of online gambling, understanding these regulatory shifts is crucial for navigating the evolving online gaming environment.

Source: SBC News – https://sbcnews.co.uk/igaming/2026/06/16/norway-monopoly/

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