If you find any difficulties in choosing the right online bookmaker for your needs, we recommend taking a pick from the bookmakers included in the following table. Our choice is made according to our experience with them and ratings from existing punters from Norway.
Leading Online Bookmakers in Norway
Those entered in the local sportsbook, and casino betting category continually are challenged by leading international betting venues encroaching on their business opportunities. This is due to the limited availability within the Norwegian markets that limit access to an equal range of betting options as a result of its outdated laws whereby only those operating with a license issued by the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority are legally permitted to operate within its borders.
That has led to an infusion of international offshore companies providing a broad range of betting markets to Norwegians, many of which are some of the world’s most popular casino and sports betting venues.
Betway
A reputation born from hard work and a strong desire to exceed the expectations of its customers, Betway has become a global powerhouse in the sportsbook arena. They are now seen as one of the worlds most trusted sportsbook brands with in-play betting, live streaming, and one of the most comprehensive selections of betting options online. The extension of their sportsbook has seen the company grow to offer live casino gaming, a world-class online casino, poker, bingo and Vegas-style games all at the disposal of Norwegian players.
- Pros
- Great odds
- Trusted brand
- Excellent sportsbook
- Many free bet rewards
- Superb for eSports betting
- Cons
- A bit old-fashioned design
ComeON!
Found in 2009 in Malta, nowadays ComeON! is seen as one of the most respectful leaders in the market. Norwegian players are no exception to this rule, as they enjoy playing on this platform. In exchange, ComeON! grants security, first-class betting experience, high odds and exciting markets. The betting site is available in Norsk and greets its new customers with some attractive promos.
- Pros
- Competitive odds for sports betting
- Various game features
- Mobile app is available
- Casino Slots and Live Dealers
- Cons
- Lack of many bonuses for existing players
- Only a few payment options are available
Why Choose Online Betting in Norway?
As part of the Scandinavian region, Norwegians are in the unique position whereby the United Nations has ranked it among the best countries to live. This is in part due to their life expectancy, excellent living conditions, generous social programs, and higher than average wages.
Resultant of those conditions means many have a high level of disposable income that can be used to keep themselves entertained, which in recent years, has resulted in an increase in the number of those choosing to engage in the many offered betting markets operated by international sportsbooks and casinos.
While the laws may be restrictive and at times lead to confusion, the reality is Norwegians have a genuine love for sports betting and apart from a few minor restrictive measures, continue to enjoy a large selection of casino games, live dealer games, and sports betting opportunities presented to them.
Gambling Facts at a Glance
CurrencyAs a non-member state of the European Union, Norway continues to use the Norwegian krone as its national currency, and as a result, the Euro is generally not accepted as a form of payment within Norway’s borders. | |
PopulationThe current population of Norway is estimated at 5,446,780. As a country, it experiences an average of 36,552 births yearly and is anticipated that its population will grow by 39,416. Located in the Scandinavian region, it has a world population rank of 119. | |
Active players2.2 million of Norway’s population actively gamble on a variety of gambling products with the most prevalent being its state lottery. In addition to lottery betting, Norwegians have a passion for sports betting, which ranks second in popularity followed by traditional style casino games. | |
Regulatory authorityThe acting regulatory authority responsible for the overseeing and enforcement of its gambling laws in Norway is the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority. Its scope of responsibilities include the supervising of all state and private lotteries as well as control over all gambling and horse racing related activities. | |
Licensed gambling productsThe laws governing Norway and its lucrative gambling industry provide licenses to those offering the following gambling products: games of chances such as casino slots and table games, poker, bingo, sports betting, fantasy betting and lotteries. | |
Types of operatorsAttracting a broad range of international gambling operators such as Betway interested in a share of the estimated 43 million Norwegian Krone spent yearly on gambling activities in Norway, casino and sports betting operators actively promote their services in a country known for its liberal gambling laws. |
The state of gambling and its legality is limited to two companies permitted to offer gambling services within its borders. This includes both land-based activities as well an exclusivity to online services. All other forms of online betting are deemed illegal, and as such, Norway has created an environment that is less than welcoming, and in essence, contravenes accepted practices in providing a non-monopolised climate. However, while it may be, in theory, illegal, little is done to prevent Norwegians from participating in online betting activities. As such, some of the world’s most prominent sportsbooks and casinos cater to its large betting public.
Are there restrictions on Norwegian players by some bookmakers?
As a tightly regulated jurisdiction, Norwegians are limited to the options they have when gambling legally online. This is due to the restrictive and monopolized nature of Norway’s outdated gambling legislation. While many countries have adopted a more gambling-friendly stance, pressure recently applied to the Norwegian Parliament resulted in the blocking of some gambling sites’ IP addresses from those outside of Norway in an attempt to stop Norwegians from accessing the options they rightfully deserve. As a result, Norwegians may encounter an inability to access the particular casino and sportsbook sites, and ultimately, their refusal or inability to participate in gambling activities with those whose IP’s have been blocked. However, this is an area not closely monitored with few IP providers taking measures that prevent Norwegians from accessing international betting sites. That ultimately allows most to access their desired sportsbook or casino without restrictions.
How to Choose the Right Online Betting Site
Norwegians wishing to bet online and register with the best Scandinavian betting sites in the world will be provided access to some of the world’s best foreign bookmakers. While the overwhelming majority deliver a world-class betting experience assisted by the world’s most premier software providers, navigating those waters can at times present a challenge when determining which are suitable and right for the betting needs you desire. Before beginning your journey towards finding the right betting partner for you, there are several things that should be factored before making your final choice. As such, it is recommended asking oneself the following:
- Does the betting operator offer suitable funding options to facilitate depositing into your sportsbook account, and subsequently, withdrawing your winnings?
- Does their support centre provide an acceptable range of contact methods such as 24 live chat or dedicated email response support representatives?
- Are they known to have a strong reputation verifiable by respected sources such as Efirbet?
- Are there an appropriate number of promotions or special offers to assist you with increasing your betting opportunities?
- Is the licensed betting sites you are considering members of recognized and respected oversight bodies, such as eCOGRA?
- Do they offer a wide range of betting options and markets, live streaming, in-play betting or early cashouts?
Bonuses for Norwegian Players
Online sportsbooks understand the value the Norwegian market presents, and in consideration of its estimated 43 million Norwegian krone spent annually by punters with a penchant for online betting, many offer lucrative signup offers in hopes of attracting them to register, deposit and become frequent players at their establishments. While country-specific promotions geared towards Norwegians are not common, they instead are presented with a never-ending range of promotions from those awarded upon the transacting of their first deposit to reload bonuses, deposit match bonuses and sports specific bonuses such as boosted odds, free bets, enhanced ACCAS and exclusive VIP designed bonuses aimed at expressing their gratitude for their patronage.
Most Popular Sports to Bet on in Norway
The Scandinavian region is known for their love of winter sports, and it comes as no surprise that the most popular sports fall within this category. In fact, cross-country skiing is often being referred to as its national sport. Attracting a similar interest in several of the world’s most popular sports ensures participation at a global level, yet its more closely followed sports remain unique with being as follows:
- Cross country skiing
- Biathlon skiing
- Handball
- Alpine skiing
- Ski jumping
- Ice Hockey
Are Online Casinos Popular in Norway?
There is undoubtedly a high interest in online casinos within this country known for its stunning natural Fjords, midnight sun, and mountain views. With an estimated 40% of its population placing bets yearly with local and international online casinos, there is little doubt they are well-cemented within their preferred choices for betting partners. While the range of interests is broad, much of their attention is attributed to sports betting on Field Hockey, games of chance such as slots and video poker, virtual sport and live dealer casino games.
Trivia/Did you know that…
- That a recent Norwegian national gambling survey concluded that over 80% of Norway’s population has gambled one or more times in the preceding 12 months.
- That the highly regulated market in Norway has resulted in one of the world’s lowest problem gambling rates.
- That Norwegian law permits the organising of personal gambling parties at a place of residence if said activities are not for business purposes.
- Norwegians turn to the internet in droves for online gambling entertainment. Recent studies show that over 40% of the population choose this due to the restrictive measures that currently are in place that prevent the operation of any traditional casinos within the country.
Available Mobile Apps
As a result of the international attention, Norwegians receive from many of the world’s most popular bookmaker and casino brands, they have a keen understanding of the cutting-edge technology that powers many of those brands mobile apps. As such, many have chosen to embrace the full range of iOS, Android, and mobile browser-based mobile variants, offering them a native language mobile solution to their betting needs. This is often a result, regardless of which mobile point of access is chosen, of them having equal access to its betting markets betting options, customer support services, banking options, bonuses, and promotions.
Supported Payment Methods
As part of the Scandinavian region where the Norwegian krone is the national currency, many of the world’s most trusted payment solutions for online transactions allow for the use of their national currency. While credit cards are common, it is an option blocked by the country for online gambling transactions, and as a result, many of the world’s top-rated sites catering to the Norwegian market offer a variety of alternative funding methods. These include Paysafecard, Skrill, Neteller, Ecocard, FundSend, WebMoney, Entropay, and so on.
The taxation laws in Norway dictate that those who place a real money wager and successfully win over NOK10,000 on any game of chance or lottery will be subject to a 23% tax rate, this includes any winnings from foreign betting sites. However, winnings derived from legal gambling-related activities provided by Norsk Rikstoto Norsk Tipping are exempt as are lotteries winnings from licensed private operates or official public competitions result from a media promotion.
FAQs
I live in Northern Norway and wish to sign-up at Bet365. Is this allowed, or will I be prevented from registering?
Yes, bet365 accepts players from Northern Norway, and you will be completely free to register a real money account, proceed with a deposit using your preferred method of funding your account and then, enjoy all that Bet365 has to offer.
I am cautious about sending an international sportsbook my personal information confirming my identity. Is this safe to do?
All licensed international sportsbooks are required under their licensing regulations to verify newly registered members identify for the protection against underage gambling and fraud. It is also to ensure they reside in a jurisdiction to which the particular sportsbook is permitted to operate within. Therefore, the sending of documents is completely safe and strictly controlled to prevent third party access.
I just turned 18 and live in Norway. Am I legally allowed to register with an online casino or sportsbook?
The legal age of consent in Norway for gambling activities is 18. Therefore, you are free to register, deposit, and partake in the gambling activities that you are interested in.
I noticed you recommended several sportsbooks in your article. Which one do you think is the best, or are they all equal?
While we may have a personal preferred as to which sportsbook is the best, all those we mentioned in our article are highly respected, trusted sportsbooks. Each will be able to offer you a valuable betting climate that features multiple markets, options, and opportunities.
I signed up at a sportsbook but was unable to verify the legitimacy of their license. I have not deposited yet as I am worried it may be unsafe. Should I avoid this site?
Absolutely you should avoid this site, and in the event, they offered a mobile app, uninstall it immediately and subsequently scan your mobile device to ensure no intrusive software has been downloaded.
I find reading the terms and conditions of a sportsbook bonus a waste of time. Is there any reason why I should?
The reading of terms and conditions pertaining to your account and/or any bonuses you accept as part of deposit promotions should always be read in their entirety. This is due to many promotional offers stipulating potential game restrictions, wagering requirements and in some cases, maximum betting amounts. Failure to read the terms and conditions could result in your breaching those terms and forfeiting your winnings.
Is there a minimum amount I must deposit with most sportsbooks, or am I free to deposit whatever amount I want?
Sportsbooks, or for that matter, casinos will set a minimum amount they will accept when funding your account. They also will set the maximum amount per transaction, and in most cases, the minimum and maximum amounts you may withdrawal for any given day/week or month.
Final Comments
The country of Norway has one of the more stringent environments relating to gambling that sees the state creating a monopoly whereby it takes measures to ensure its citizens gamble in a responsible manner. In addition to taxation of winnings versus taxing gambling operators, the Norwegian government put in place a Payment Act that, in essence, works similar to the U.S UIGEA whereby it applies restrictions against its financial institutions from accreting transactions from any foreign gambling company. However, while a strictly regulated market, Norwegians have a wide range of betting markets they can access online such as games of chance, sports betting, virtual betting, poker and bingo. All in an environment that is safe due to external regulative bodies responsible for the issuing of licenses and ensuring that the services being delivered are trusted, secure and verified of meeting the strict operational policies that are demanded of licensed operators.
