Norway’s government-owned lottery and betting operator Norsk Tipping has introduced new loss limits for players under 20, recognising this group as ‘more vulnerable’ than others.
From 1 June onwards, a monthly maximum of NOK 2,000 (€169) for customers aged 20 and under has come into effect. So far, a monthly loss limit of NOK 20,000 (€1,688) has been adopted for all players, but will now apply only to those above 20.
The operator stated that a primary reason behind the move is due to those under 20 often being in more financially constrained situations than older consumers, often coupled with education and studies.
“It is well documented that younger players are more vulnerable to developing gambling problems,” said Norsk Tipping’s Director of Responsibility and Communication, Tonje Sagstuen.
“Statistics from both the University of Bergen and the Helpline for gambling addicts show that the incidence of gambling problems is higher among younger players than in other age groups. Therefore, they have a higher risk of making bad choices.”
Norsk Tipping further outlined that it currently has around 30,000 active customers aged under 20, of whicharound 2,000 have lost more than NOK 2,000 in a single month on one or more occasions over the past year.
Whilst all betting markets and games offered by the Norwegian state-backed operator have an age limit of 18 and above, the firm has outlined that younger customers are at greater risk of gambling-related harm.
The company is the most prominent betting and gaming provider in Norway as the state-owned licence holder. Its long-term position was further strengthened towards the end of last year with a decades-long extension to its monopoly on horse racing betting granted by the government.
Norsk Tipping’s decision to implement stricter loss limits for under 20s follows a similar trend across Europe as several major betting markets undergo regulatory reforms and look to beef up player protection frameworks.
For example, under a new regulatory regime introduced in 2021, Germany has adopted a €1,000 monthly deposit limit, whilst in Belgium an even stricter €200 monthly threshold was introduced last year.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Gambling Act review White Paper has proposed a loss limit of £125 within one month and £500 within a year before affordability checks take place. More detailed checks will take place if there are higher levels of spend, with thresholds of £1,000 within 24 hours and £2,000 within 90 days suggested.