The Norwegian Government has introduced a new action plan to tackle gambling problems. The plan will run until 2029 and will be implemented by the Norwegian Lottery Authority, the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Media Authority, with support from the Norwegian Film Institute.
The plan has three main goals: to minimise gambling harm, strengthen early identification plus treatment of harmful behaviour and improve awareness of related issues.
The plan does not introduce new regulatory measures. It places greater emphasis on children and young people than previous strategies.
A recent study of 12 to 17-year-olds found a link between frequent gaming, especially spending on loot boxes, skins, or skin betting and a higher risk of developing gambling problems.
A prevention programme will be developed for schools, leisure clubs and sports teams to help young people understand how gambling and loot boxes operate.
The plan also highlights other vulnerable groups, including athletes, prisoners, individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, people not in education or employment and those with a history of gambling problems.
Training will be introduced to equip individuals and professionals with tools to recognise early warning signs. It will target parents, teachers, coaches, healthcare professionals, prison staff, employers and front-line bank employees.
Norway’s gambling helpline, Hjelpelinjen, will expand its services with the introduction of chat support for younger users. Free 12-week remote telephone treatment programmes will continue to be available.
The Government also plans to integrate gambling harm into wider public health frameworks. The Directorate of Health will increase cooperation with regional competence centres.
Data collection will be expanded through regular surveys on gambling and gaming participation and a new nationwide study on gambling-related harm. Annual forums with operators will also be held to reinforce responsible gaming practices.
The Government will intensify cooperation with financial institutions, with banks helping to curb financial flows to unlicensed foreign gambling providers
