How COVID-19 affected Norwegian Gambling Market

Long before the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 Norwegians had a passion for online gambling. They have enjoyed both online casinos and sports betting.

The pandemic hit the world hard and Norway is ranged no.15 hardest hit countries which led to sever changes in the lives of many Norwegians. Movement restrictions, lockdown and so on.

Many businesses had to close due to this lockdown. For a moment many Norwegians are feared that this pandemic could cause major economic problems. From the business perspective it is definitely a major economic loss. As for a private person and consumer, it should not turn out so bad after all. The Norwegian government have established crises packages which are intended to prevent economical loss for both businesses and private persons. This means that as a private individual, there will not be a server difference and people can maintain almost the same economical standard as they were used to pre-pandemic.

With minimal economical loss due the COVID-19 pandemic, Norwegians can still enjoy their gambling. For a brief moment, the government feared this pandemic would be a disaster regarding gaming addiction on this nationwide lockdown. But so far, no reports or negative signals have been proved. It seems like most Norwegians still have a good approach to online gambling as before. Earlier European Gaming and Betting Association issued Guidance On Safer Online Gambling where called online gambling companies to act socially responsible, the statement was also supported by the Norwegian gambling association (NBO – Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill).

E-sports, casino, bingo and poker

Due to the ban of all organized sports, like football, basketball, ice hockey etc. the world has their eyes on the “new sport”, e-sports. This sport has not been as popular as the traditional sports (football, basketball, ice hockey etc.), but this pandemic have given the e-sport a golden opportunity to enter the gambling world. Since there are a few well known Norwegian e-sport “athletes”, such as “Nyhrox” (Emil Bergquist Pedersen), HunterAce (Casper Notto) and “MrSavage” (Martin Foss), the interest for this have increased.

When all the traditional sports for betting is temporarily gone, this will be a great chance to explore thematic casino games, bingo or poker. Many websites such as CasinoHex offer casino guides, exclusive bonuses and a great variety of casino games for both new and experienced players.

For now, the COVID-19, haven`t affected Norwegians relation towards gambling that much. Probably there will be a study, or a report made regarding this after the worst pandemic hysteria is over. But for now, it seems to be no or minor changes.