Lotteritilsynet gets tough on illegal DNS

Norway

Lotteritilsynet, the Gambling Authority of Norway will launch a DNS blocking campaign of foreign gambling operators and media promoting illegal igaming activities starting January 1, 2025.

The authority’s campaign has been anticipated for some time, marks a critical shift in Norway’s approach to regulating gambling activities and aims to protect Norwegian consumers from unlicensed operators and potential risks associated with these platforms.

Although updates to the Gambling Act were implemented on January 1, 2023, DNS blocking was initially absent from the legislation. After extensive planning and discussions, Lotteritilsynet has now confirmed its inclusion.

The authority’s preparations are well underway, and it is actively monitoring gambling operators currently providing services in Norway without a local license. According to Lotteritilsynet representative Monica Kjelsnes, the authority will notify these operators about the changes and the compliance expectations.

Lotteritilsynet will not require court approval to enact DNS blocking. Instead, it will directly communicate with the identified unlicensed operators, outlining compliance requirements and offering an opportunity for voluntary alignment. Operators who fail to comply will be subject to DNS blocking, effectively restricting Norwegian players’ access to their services.

For operators seeking to remain accessible to Norwegian consumers, Lotteritilsynet outlined several compliance criteria. A site will be considered as targeting the Norwegian market if it offers services in Norwegian, allows payments in NOK, has any Norwegian business affiliations, advertises in Norwegian media, or employs promotional material involving Norwegian individuals or organizations. Simply switching to English or adopting international domains may not be sufficient for avoiding regulatory action.

Importantly, affiliates will be exempt from these measures, as Lotteritilsynet confirmed that only direct gambling operators are subject to DNS blocking. By focusing its enforcement on unlicensed operators, Lotteritilsynet aims to foster a safer gambling environment while supporting compliant entities in meeting Norway’s regulatory standards.