Best Betting Sites in Norway - Ranked for 2025
For those seeking thrilling opportunities, sports betting in Norway offers a dynamic playground. The quest for the best betting sites in Norway unveils a diverse range of sports, enticing pre-match, and in-play options, along with unique bet types and generous bonus perks. Equip yourself with essential tools to navigate this exciting landscape and make informed choices in the realm of Norwegian gambling.
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Country |
Norway |
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Language |
Norwegian |
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Currency |
Norwegian krone (NOK) |
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Popular sports |
Football, ice hockey, curling, skiing |
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Is betting legal |
Yes |
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Regulator |
The Norwegian Gambling Authority |
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Gambling taxes |
28% if you win more than 10,000 NOK |
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Most popular payment methods |
Payz, Visa, Mastercard, Trustly |
1. The Evolution of Online Betting in Norway
Throughout a significant part of its history, Norway's betting landscape grappled with strict prohibitions, reserving games of chance for holders of special licenses, as outlined in the Norwegian Penal Code of 1902. This restrictive environment witnessed pivotal changes through three crucial legislative acts: the 1927 Totalisator Act, the 1992 Gaming Act, and the 1995 Lottery Act. A transformative moment occurred in 2010 when the latest law dismantled barriers, enabling Norwegians to participate in online gambling and sports betting, granted their chosen platforms were registered outside the country.
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Key insights shed light on the present situation:
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While alternative payment methods such as e-wallets or cryptocurrencies are essential for transactions, they pose minimal inconvenience for Norwegian punters. Understanding the intricacies of the state's gambling and sports betting tax system is paramount to navigate potential unforeseen expenses effectively. Embrace the transformed landscape, explore international platforms, and make informed choices in the flourishing realm of Norwegian betting.
2. The Sports Betting Law in Norway
The landscape of sports betting legality in Norway has experienced significant transformations since the enactment of the Lottery Act in 1995. At that time, the concept of online Norwegian bookmakers was still in its infancy. Over the years, the Norwegian government, operating through the Norwegian Gambling Authority (Lotteri og Stiftelsestilsynet), has endeavored to curb illicit gambling activities.
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5 things to know:
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In 2010, specific measures, including payment-blocking initiatives, were introduced to dissuade access to unlicensed sites, yet their efficacy remained limited. A noteworthy development unfolded in June 2021 when officials aimed to consolidate gaming acts, fortifying the online betting monopoly held by the two state-owned firms.
This initiative encompassed provisions for imposing fines on unlicensed online betting sites and implementing warning messages from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for visitors to international bookies. Additionally, marketing and advertising of illegal sportsbooks were explicitly prohibited.
It's a clear stance that unregulated betting in Norway is considered illegal. Despite stringent laws, enforcement has been lax, leading many Norwegians to gravitate toward non-regulated bookmakers.
Tax Implications for Betting in Norway
Regardless of whether you engage in domestic or international play, taxation on winnings is an inevitable factor. If your winnings surpass NOK 10,000, a 28% tax is applicable. However, a potential tax exemption is on the table if you opt for government-run betting sites in Norway. This exemption is strategically designed to attract players, especially high-rollers, to participate in domestic platforms. Regardless of your chosen betting site, any winnings exceeding 100,000 NOK must be duly declared. Staying well-informed about the tax landscape is key to ensuring a seamless and compliant betting experience in Norway.
3. Popular Payment Methods in Norway
Given that direct bank payments to casinos and online bookmakers are prohibited by Norwegian law, it’s important to study alternative payment options in advance.
Payz
This is a legit online payment service regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This e-wallet is available in more than 200 countries of the world and currently offers 54 currencies to make your deposits and request withdrawals on bookmaker websites. Besides, there is a 3-step loyalty program with each level offering various perks to diversify your transactions and make them more profitable.
Visa
For sports wagering in Norway, you can use your Visa debit or credit card that is registered in any of the international banks. Deposits and withdrawals via Visa excel in terms of safety due to additional security methods applied by the banks. On top of that, you don’t need to involve any third party and create an additional personal account, as you do with e-wallets, to complete Visa payments. The funds are usually transferred directly from your bank account to the bookmaker.
Trustly
Trustly is a Swedish solution for online banking that was first launched back in 2008. This payment method allows you to make quick and completely secure payments directly from your bank account. Trustly applies the latest encryption methods to ensure strong protection of all your transactions. Numerous sports betting platforms in Norway feature Trustly on their list of available payment methods, including such prominent sportsbooks as Unibet and 888Sport.
MasterCard
Mastercard is another fast and secure solution for making deposits directly from your bank account. Finding MasterCard on the list of available payment options on trusted bookmaker websites won’t be a challenge. One great advantage of MasterCard for online sports wagering is the absence of additional fees both for deposits and withdrawals.
The best Norway betting sites stand out for their user-friendly interfaces, competitive odds, a wide array of sports markets, and enticing promotions. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to the world of online wagering, these top-notch platforms offer a secure and enjoyable environment for you to place your bets. Embrace the thrill of online betting with confidence, knowing that these recommended sites have been curated to provide a seamless and gratifying betting experience for enthusiasts in Norway. Happy betting!