Norway Turns Up The Heat On Online Gambling Transactions

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated Apr 28, 2017

Banks commence implementing new laws designed to disrupt illegal gambling financial transactions

Norway is following other national regulatory jurisdictions in clamping down on unlicensed operators, going after the money in its latest regulations, which banks began implementing last week.

The government is using banks to disrupt financial transactions between punters and operators, initially targeting selected payment processing and online gambling companies that do not have Norwegian licensing, according to the local publication KlasseKampen.

The publication reported that the campaign started with blocking orders to Norway’s banks from the Norwegian Lottery Authority, ordering blocks on seven bank accounts…five associated with payment processing entities and two owned by online gaming operators.

NLA director Linda Westbye, who signed the blocking orders, told Klassekampen that government is determined to “…stop these types of transactions and will send more orders as new brokerage companies emerge.

“It does not matter what these gaming companies are called or how many they are. Anyone who uses such payment services abroad violates Norwegian law.”

The payment processing companies named were Worldpay, Earthport, Trustly, Inpay and Entercash, whilst the two operator-associated accounts were Mangas Gaming and  Staycool OÜ. InfoPowa readers will no doubt recognise the former name as one associated in the past with online casino group Betclic Everest.

Estonia-based Staycool OÜ operates Scandinavian-facing sports betting brands Coolbet.com and Coolpickz.com.

Klassekampen concluded that two of the blocked payment processor accounts are associated with major online gambling groups Betsson and Unibet, and approached these companies for comment.

Whilst Unibet remained silent, Betsson questioned the validity of the NLA actions, pointing out that the company is licensed in the European Union and commenting that there are no plans to abandon Norwegian customers.

That suggests a legal clash at some point if Betsson argues that its EU licence entitles it to operate in Norway in terms of the treaty, which stipulates free movement of trade and services. That could have wider implications affecting France, Spain, Italy and Portugal, which all claim sovereignty over their own dedicated online gambling markets.

Brian Cullingworth

Infopowa news was a staple of Casinomeister’s news from 2000 until 2019. Brian Cullingworth was the main writer, contributor, and was one of the most knowledgeable persons I have ever known involved in the online casino industry.

We first met in January 2001 at the ICE in London where I observed him going booth to booth interviewing online casino, software, and licensing jurisdiction representatives. Brian was also heavily involved with our forum as “Jetset“, he was involved as an informal consultant to eCOGRA, the OPA, and was a player advocate who assisted countless aggrieved players with his connections to industry folks. He also published “Casino Cautions” via Infopowa news for quite a number of years. These can be found in our news archives.

His passing in February 2019 was a dark day for us. He will be forever missed.


Latest News

It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

It’s that time of the year again! Casinomeister Awards for 2024 have been announced, and we give you all the highlights.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 5, 2025
It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Casinomeister has a introduced a detailed new rating system for sweepstakes casinos, making it easier to find the right place to play.

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Feb 3, 2025
New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Evolution’s License Getting Dissected by the UKGC Over Suspected Black Market Activity

The big-name live casino provider Evolution Gaming is facing the UKGC’s investigation for suspected black market activity.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Jan 16, 2025
Evolution’s License Getting Dissected by the UKGC Over Suspected Black Market Activity

Spin Into the Festive Spirit With Pragmatic Play and Unwrap an Amazon Voucher

Get in the holiday spirit with Pragmatic Play’s festive tournament and claim up to four €200 Amazon vouchers.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Dec 18, 2024
Spin Into the Festive Spirit With Pragmatic Play and Unwrap an Amazon Voucher

Oshi Casino Exclusive Xmas Promo: 200% Match + 100 Free Spins

Take advantage of this exclusive Christmas offer at Oshi Casino — a 200% match up to $200 and 100 free spins. Grab your promo code here!

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Jan 16, 2025
Oshi Casino Exclusive Xmas Promo: 200% Match + 100 Free Spins