Norway's New Responsible Gambling Code

Norway has enacted a new Responsible Gambling Code in an effort to avert the proposed Norway UIGEA. The proposed ban would prevent their citizens from transferring funds to foreign operators.

Since the government of Norway announced their UIGEA-like ban, it has been met with much cynicism by both online gaming operators and politicians. If it becomes a standard law, instead of the supposed protective measure Norway claims, it might be viewed as a way for the government to maintain a kind of cartel over online gambling and online gaming sites. It might also be viewed as a lack of freedom of choice for many internet players as well.

Four online gamine sites, Expekt, Ladrokes, Betsson and Unibet formed this new code. This Gambling Code is aimed towards the safety of online gaming and for it to be conducted in a responsible and legal way. The authors of the code feel that it would keep the industry socially responsible and could eliminate a higher potential for criminal conduct that may stem from a full ban.

Regarding the Norway UIGEA, a preliminary draft has been prepared by The Minister for Culture and Church Affairs and it would prohibit online gaming accounts to be credited from major payment methods. Spring, 2008 is the proposed timeframe for the Norwegian ban to be in force.