Norway Gives Green Light to Gambling Payment Bans - 02-24-10

February 24 - A problematic new law was approved by the Norwegian government at the weekend, essentially prohibiting casino payment processors such as credit card companies from shifting funds between the country's citizens and online gambling operators.

The ban, which does not apply to the two state gambling monopolies, will see that no payments will be made from Norway to gaming service providers.

The Gaming Activities Merchant Code 7995 is due to be implemented in June this year.

The Culture Minister of Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt said about the new law: "The regulations are an important step in limiting the scope of illegal and addictive gambling in Norway."

"Norway employs an aggressive policy against illegal gambling and is the first in Europe to adopt such a ban, but several countries in the EU are now preparing similar national payment bans," she added.

Indeed, Norway's new law is seen as a step backwards as the European Commission tries to bring all member states in line with free trade agreements signed that would ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods and services across of borders.

The fact that the state monopolies Norsk Tipping and Rikstoto are not part of the ban means that the EU has a stronger case for taking Norway to court for its policies.

Critics of Norway's law argue that it was created to protect the monopolies and that the basis for the law - ie. to protect consumers by limiting gambling opportunities - could not be correct as Norsk Tipping is relying more and more on the success of its interactive gambling brands.

In 2009, Norsk Tipping posted a massive turnover of NOK10.9 billion, following an impressive growth in its interactive gaming division.

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