Norway Introduces New Four-Year Strategy to Combat Problem Gambling

(AsiaGameHub) –   Norway has rolled out a new four-year action plan centered on addressing problem gambling, with prevention and treatment as its core priorities. This initiative spans from 2026 to 2029 and emphasizes public health, youth safeguarding, and early intervention over introducing new gambling limitations.

Good to Know

• The plan will not alter existing gambling legislation, age restrictions, or betting limits.
• Children and young individuals between the ages of 9 and 25 are the primary target demographic.
• Norway intends to broaden access to helplines, enhance treatment services, and expand national research efforts.

Norway Prioritizes Prevention Over New Restrictions

The Norwegian government stated that its primary objective is to lower the number of individuals who develop gambling issues. Officials also emphasized that protecting vulnerable groups should take precedence over commercial interests.

Young people are at the core of this plan. Authorities cited research linking 12- to 17-year-olds with gambling-like mechanics in video games, including loot boxes and skins. As a result, schools, youth clubs, and sports clubs will be used to deliver education on gambling risks and digital game features that blur the distinction between gaming and betting.

Several other groups are also targeted. The plan singles out athletes, individuals in custody, those with neurodevelopmental conditions, people not in education or employment, and those with a history of gambling problems.

Key responsibilities will be divided among agencies including Lotteritilsynet, Medietilsynet, and Helsedirektoratet. The Norwegian Film Institute and voluntary groups will also assist with outreach tied to gaming culture and support services.

Support services are also receiving increased focus. Hjelpelinjen, the national gambling helpline, will be expanded with improved access and chat options tailored for younger users. Norway will continue to offer free remote treatment programs, typically run over 12 weeks by phone and without a referral from a general practitioner.

Expanded Public Health Focus

The plan also seeks to enhance detection of early warning signs. Parents, teachers, coaches, healthcare workers, prison staff, probation staff, employers, and bank workers are all expected to receive tools or training.

Within the prison system, authorities aim to raise greater awareness of gambling harm and provide better support for inmates—many of whom accumulate debt while in custody. At the same time, dialogue between Helsedirektoratet and regional competence centers known as KORUS is set to grow so local services can respond faster.

Research efforts will also be expanded. Lotteritilsynet and Medietilsynet will continue surveys on gambling and gaming participation, while a new national survey will focus directly on gambling and gaming harm.

The government also intends to collaborate more closely with licensed operators through an annual forum on responsible gambling. Banks and financial institutions are expected to play an expanded role as well, especially in efforts to limit payments to unlicensed foreign gambling sites and identify customers showing signs of gambling harm.