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Norway Tightens Enforcement on Foreign Gambling Sites

15 October 2026

The Norwegian Gaming Authority, Lotteritilsynet, is intensifying its crackdown on offshore online casinos targeting the Norwegian market. In an escalating campaign against illegal online gambling, the regulator is now threatening to block dozens of international gaming websites through DNS filtering.

Amid a wave of warnings, the watchdog has given internet service providers until late October to cease enabling access to unauthorized gambling platforms. Providers who disregard these warnings may face mandatory blocking of the non-compliant sites.

This latest action follows multiple attempts by Norwegian authorities to stem the influx of offshore gambling operations into the country.

In 2022, the government introduced proposed gambling reforms aimed at restricting promotional strategies that attract Norwegian players to foreign casinos—including welcome bonuses, VIP programs, and free play offers.

After public consultation, these restrictions were codified into law, prohibiting all personal financial incentives used to entice players. Under the pengespillforskriften (gambling regulations)

When Lotteritilsynet issues a blocking notice to an internet provider, it cites a newly enacted law, section 99a, which came into effect this September.

Consequently, users attempting to access a DNS-blocked gambling site will be redirected to an informational page displaying Lotteritilsynet's contact details and an explanation of the restriction. The page will clearly state that it provides access to unauthorized gambling operators—purely as a technical measure. Internet providers are prohibited from retaining any personal data collected during these blocking procedures.

Reports indicate that Lotteritilsynet has conclusive evidence that the targeted websites are operating illegally.

The Gaming Authority's guidelines are unequivocal: any gambling platform directing marketing efforts, language options, or registration processes toward Norway risks being blocked.

The 62 internet companies receiving warnings include both internet service providers and hosting services facilitating unauthorized gambling sites, though not the operators themselves. The ultimate goal is to make access to these illegal gambling services as challenging as possible within Norway.