Norsk Tipping adopts tighter loss limit for under-20s

Norsk Tipping has updated its policy on loss limits for younger players, introducing a monthly maximum of NOK 2,000 (€169) for customers aged 20 and under.

Whilst all betting markets and games offered by the Norwegian state-backed operator have an age limit of 18 and above, the firm has outlined that younger customers are at greater risk of gambling-related harm.

So far, a monthly loss limit of NOK 20,000 (€1,688) has been adopted for all players, but from 1 June onwards the above mentioned NOK 2,000 has come in for under 20s due to these players being counted as ‘more vulnerable’ than older customers.

“It is well documented that younger players are more vulnerable to developing gambling problems,” said Norsk Tipping’s Director of Responsibility and Communication, Tonje Sagstuen.

“Statistics from both the University of Bergen and the Helpline for gambling addicts show that the incidence of gambling problems is higher among younger players than in other age groups. Therefore, they have a higher risk of making bad choices.”

Norsk Tipping further outlined that it currently has around 30,000 active customers aged under 20, and of these around 2,000 have lost more than NOK 2,000 in one month on one or more than one occasion over the past year.

The company is the most prominent betting and gaming provider in Norway as the state-owned licence holder. Its long-term position was further strengthened towards the end of last year with a decade-long extension to its monopoly on horse racing betting granted by the government.

Norsk Tipping’s decision to implement stricter loss limits for under 20s follows a similar trend across Europe as several major betting markets undergo regulatory reforms and look to beef up player protection frameworks.

For example, under a new regulatory regime introduced in 2021, Germany has adopted a €1,000 monthly deposit limit, whilst in Belgium an even stricter €200 monthly threshold was introduced last year.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Gambling Act review White Paper has proposed a loss limit of £125 within one month and £500 within a year before affordability checks take place. More detailed checks will take place if there are higher levels of spend, with thresholds of £1,000 within 24 hours and £2,000 within 90 days suggested.