Norway Unveils DNS Blocking Strategy
## Norway Unveils DNS Blocking Strategy – Legislation – iGB
The Norwegian administration has put forward a legislative proposal that will prohibit access to websites offering unauthorized gambling activities.
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Norway Unveils DNS Blocking Strategy
In the government’s most recent endeavor to sustain its national gambling monopoly, internet service providers will be compelled to implement technical measures that restrict users from accessing specified websites through the Domain Name System (DNS). In essence, the proposed law implies that if a user attempts to access a blocked website, they will be rerouted to a landing page containing information explaining the reason for the website’s blockage.
The amendment to the Gambling Act was introduced by the Ministry of Culture and Equality last Friday (October 20) and received approval from the Cabinet on the same day. This legislative action follows over two years of consultations by Norwegian authorities regarding DNS blocking for unauthorized websites.
“Our primary objective is to prevent and mitigate gambling-related issues, safeguarding vulnerable players and their families,” stated Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery.
“This measure will not be imposed on internet service providers if foreign gambling companies adhere to Norwegian law. Consequently, we must regulate this by targeting entities over whom we have legal authority.”
Ongoing efforts to restrict access to unlicensed websites
The Norwegian administration recently declared that unmonitored online platforms could be prohibited in the year 2024. This declaration follows Kindred Group’s departure from Norway in September.
Norwegian financial organizations have been accountable for tracking and hindering transactions associated with unlawful gambling. Nevertheless, last month, the Norwegian Gaming Authority (Lotteritilsynet) declared that it is observing nine banks to guarantee adherence.
Earlier this year, Lotteritilsynet’s leader, Henrik Nordal, backed the execution of DNS blocking for unmonitored online platforms.
“DNS blocking renders high-risk gambling games more challenging to access, thereby safeguarding Norwegian players,” Nordal stated. “It also implies that numerous individuals are unaware of the hazards linked to participating with illicit gambling enterprises.
“Through DNS blocking, players are notified and barred when they endeavor to access these games. This represents an effective publicity measure and will also possess a preventative impact.”
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has advocated for the termination of Norway’s online monopoly.
Norway remains one of the few nations in Europe with a state gambling monopoly. The lottery company Norsk Tipping holds the rights to online casino games and sports wagering, while Norsk Rikstoto is responsible for horse racing.
Consequently, there are restricted online gambling choices. However, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has recently urged Norway to transition towards a licensing model.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) advocates that Norway should align with other European markets, such as neighboring Sweden and Finland, and implement a licensing framework. EGBA’s Secretary General, Maarten Haijer, asserts that this would effectively tackle concerns such as consumers engaging in gambling activities on unauthorized websites.
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