EGBA urges Norway to rethink on payment ban

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has urged the Norwegian government to rethink on the policy of banning payment transactions of six gambling companies. The Norwegian government had asked the banks to block payments to and from accounts identified as being used for processing gambling transactions.

Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), opposed the move: “Instead of using payment blockings to try to prevent its adult citizens from making informed and free choices, we urge the Norwegian authorities to develop an online gambling regulation which is fit for the realities of the borderless, digital age.”

He pointed out the fact that there are currently only two gambling providers authorised in Norway – both state-owned. He termed the present regime not sustainable. He also said that the present system depletes Norwegian state tax revenues and jeopardises the task of keeping control of the market.

He urged Norwegian government to develop a regulated market, based on multi-licensing and focusing on a high level of consumer protection.

Haijer concluded: “We have seen this happen recently in Sweden, where the country is now moving towards a licensing system for online gambling. It is what the overwhelming majority of European countries have been doing in the face of economic and social reality – and it is inevitable that Norway will have to confront the some choice.”