The Norwegian Gaming Authority (NGA) has been granted the power to block access to illegal online gambling platforms. The new legislation, which was passed by the Norwegian parliament in June 2018, aims to protect consumers from unlicensed and potentially fraudulent gambling sites.
The NGA is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in Norway, including online gambling. The new legislation gives the regulator the power to order internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to websites that are operating illegally in Norway.
The NGA will maintain a list of illegal gambling sites, which will be regularly updated and shared with ISPs. If an ISP is found to be providing access to an illegal site, they will be ordered to block access within 72 hours.
The new legislation also includes provisions for fines and imprisonment for those who operate illegal gambling sites or provide access to them. The maximum penalty for operating an illegal site is two years in prison, while the maximum penalty for providing access to an illegal site is six months in prison.
The Norwegian government has been cracking down on illegal online gambling for several years. In 2017, the government introduced a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling transactions. The ban was aimed at reducing the number of people who gamble online and protecting vulnerable consumers from excessive gambling.
The new legislation is part of a wider effort by the Norwegian government to regulate online gambling and protect consumers. The government has also introduced measures to promote responsible gambling, such as mandatory player registration and limits on advertising.
The NGA has welcomed the new legislation, saying that it will help to protect consumers from unlicensed and potentially fraudulent gambling sites. The regulator has also urged consumers to be vigilant when using online gambling sites and to only use licensed and regulated sites.
In conclusion, the new legislation granting the NGA the power to prevent access to unlawful online gambling platforms is a positive step towards protecting consumers from unlicensed and potentially fraudulent sites. The Norwegian government’s efforts to regulate online gambling and promote responsible gambling are commendable and should serve as an example for other countries to follow. Consumers should also do their part by being vigilant when using online gambling sites and only using licensed and regulated sites.
