Norway is on the brink of a significant shift in its traditionally strict gambling policy. The Ministry of Culture and Equality has proposed that the state-owned Norsk Tipping be allowed to operate regulated online poker for the first time. The goal is to bring tens of thousands of Norwegians from foreign gaming sites into a domestic environment with greater control and player protection.
However, this isn’t about liberalizing the Norwegian market. International operators like PokerStars, GGPoker, or partypoker wouldn't receive licenses under the current proposal. Online poker would simply become another product of the state monopoly, Norsk Tipping.
Up to 150,000 Norwegians Already Play Online
Currently, Norway doesn't have a legal domestic online poker site, but this hasn't stopped players from playing. A study from the University of Bergen in 2022 estimated around 90,000 Norwegians playing with foreign operators. Norsk Tipping believes this number could now be between 100,000 and 150,000 annually.
“We know that many Norwegians play online poker. It’s better to offer a responsible and safer alternative in Norway than to leave them with unregulated foreign companies,” said Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery.
Since 2010, Norway has restricted payments to unlicensed operators and in 2025 also blocked their websites. Despite these efforts, stopping foreign play entirely has proven elusive.
Daily and Monthly Limits on Poker
The proposed platform would offer tournaments and cash games but would be significantly more restricted than international platforms.
| Restriction | Proposed Limit |
| Daily loss limit | 5,000 NOK |
| Monthly loss limit | 10,000 NOK |
| Monthly limit for players under 20 years | 2,000 NOK |
| Maximum tournament buy-in | 2,500 NOK |
| Maximum cash-game buy-in | 1,000 NOK |
| Highest allowed big blind | 10 NOK |
| Maximum simultaneous tables | 4 |
| Night break | from 1:00 to 7:00 |
Players would also be subject to mandatory breaks and other responsible gaming rules. The proposal is clearly aimed at the recreational segment—10 NOK for the highest big blind is about one dollar, and the most expensive tournament would be approximately $260.
Will the State Platform Solve the Real Issue?
The low limits might weaken the main objective of the project. Norway wants to persuade players to leave unregulated foreign platforms, but those seeking higher-stakes cash games or large international tournaments wouldn’t find comparable offerings at Norsk Tipping. The domestic platform might mostly attract casual players. For professionals and regular grinders, it would remain significantly restricted.
While Norway would gain legal online poker, it might not achieve the desired migration of players from abroad. It’s an intriguing paradox in a country that has produced WSOP world champion Espen Jørstad, WSOP Europe Main Event winner Annette Obrestad, and elite professionals like Kayhan Mokri, Jon Kyte, and Johnny Lodden.
Public Consultation Will Decide
The Ministry released the proposal on September 29, 2026. The public consultation will last until November 29, with the government shortening the standard period to enable new rules to take effect as soon as possible. If adopted, Norsk Tipping will prepare to launch the country’s first regulated domestic online poker platform in history. The potential start date has not yet been announced.
Norway isn’t ready to open up to competition, but for the first time after years of bans, it acknowledges that solely blocking foreign sites didn’t eliminate the demand for online poker. The question remains whether a state alternative with low limits can truly convince players.
Sources - PokerNews, X, regjeringen
