The outgoing CEO of Norsk Tipping has acknowledged what she called a ‘breach of trust’ after a conversion error accidentally informed many Norwegians that they had won millions on the National Lottery.
Norsk Tipping confirmed that a conversion error between Eurocents and Norwegian kroner had taken place when calculating winnings on the weekend’s draws on Friday 27 June. Instead of being divided by 100 the amount was instead multiplied by 100.
The state-owned company, which also operates betting and gaming services as well as the Norwegian National Lottery, only discovered the error after the figures were published on its website, leading to thousands believing that they had won millions. No payouts were made, but consumers were understandably frustrated with the mistake.
“I am terribly sorry that we have disappointed so many, and I understand that people are angry with us,” read a statement issued by Tonje Sagstuen, shortly before her resignation as Norsk Tipping CEO.
“I have received many messages from people who had managed to make plans for holidays, buying an apartment or renovating before they realised that the amount was wrong. To them I can only say: Sorry! But I understand that it is a small consolation.
“The criticism is justified, and we understand of course that this is a breach of trust. I once again apologise to those to whom we gave false hopes. Here, things have failed in several places, and that is my responsibility.”
Norsk Tipping takes note of errors
Norsk Tipping has acknowledged what It called a ‘number of technical problems’ over the past year, adding that the root causes of these problems date back much further. It has also stated, however, that the error which occurred on Saturday was not a technical error.
The firm has also praised Sagstuen’s efforts to raise the quality of Norsk Tipping’s services during her tenure as CEO, which began in 2023. Sagstuen first joined the company back in 2014, taking on the role of Director of Society and Communications.
Upon departing the leadership role, Sagstuen said: “As a manager, it has been my responsibility to handle the errors that have occurred, and it has been very gratifying to see how a united Norsk Tipping has responded to the challenges and worked day and night to solve them.
“That is why it is also incredibly sad to leave Norsk Tipping and all the talented people who work at Hamar. I will miss everyone I have worked with, but I am confident that all the improvement processes we have initiated are in good hands with the team we have in place, says Sagstuen.”
Following the error, Norsk Tipping appears to be facing scrutiny from its owner, the Ministry of Culture and Equality, with company Chair Sylvia Brustad acknowledging that the government was “both concerned and critical of the situation that has arisen” during a meeting on Saturday.
Norsk Tipping has already found itself facing controversy this year, having been criticised by Lottstift, Norway’s gaming and lotteries regulatory authority, for alleged breaches of age-restriction laws.