The Recycling Lottery (Pantelotteriet) has been granted an exemption from Norway's 18-year age limit for gambling.
Norway’s Pantelotterit is a unique system that allows the public to donate their recycling refunds to the Norwegian Red Cross for a chance to enter a draw for cash prizes of up to NOK 1m ($100,000).
On 1 March, a new nine-year licence period for Pantelotteriet will begin. Although Pantelotteriet has never had an age limit, a formal exemption is now required from the general rule.
The exemption has prompted responses from organisations like Gambling Addiction Norway, who warn that it could lead to early development of gambling addiction.
It was granted because Pantelotteriet is considered low risk for gambling addiction and the stake consists of something other than money.
Since its launch in 2008, over 200 people have won the top prize of NOK 1 million, but none have been minors.
Gaute Langdal, Director of Pantelotteriet, stated: "To date, not a single child has won the top prize. That shows that Pantelotteriet does not attract children and young people. They would rather buy ice cream with their deposit money.”
The Norwegian Gambling Authority grants the exemption but refers to the Ministry of Culture regarding why Pantelotteriet has received it.
Tore Bell, Director of the Gambling Department at the Norwegian Gambling Authority, stated: “It becomes a political question. We relate to the current regulations.
Bell cites a 2022 consultation document in which the Ministry of Culture wrote: “Exemptions shall only be granted in special cases where there are particular reasons to deviate from the 18-year age limit. An example of such an exemption is Pantelotteriet.”
The Ministry of Culture and Equality clarified that, although Pantelotteriet is mentioned as an example, it does not automatically receive an exemption.
State Secretary Erlend Hanstveit from the Ministry of Culture and Equality stated: “A concrete assessment must be made. Following an application, the Norwegian Gambling Authority has granted an exemption from the age limit for Pantelotteriet.
“The Ministry is not aware of anyone under 18 winning large sums through participation in
Pantelotteriet.”
Pantelotteriet’s exemption from the 18-year age limit allows the lottery to continue operating under a formal risk assessment.
The Norwegian Gambling Authority and the Ministry of Culture and Equality have established safeguards to ensure compliance with responsible gaming regulations, including procedures for payouts to minors.
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