(Newswire.net — June 13, 2022) — Ever since it was first conceived, nations around the world have wrestled with how to regulate gambling within their borders. In different locations, through various periods gambling has been completely or partially outlawed, heavily regulated, or allowed to occur freely.
Balancing individual liberties, community safeguarding, political differences, and financial concerns has proved to be a tough task for many governments. Gambling can provide incredible funding and taxation opportunities, but it must be done in a socially aware manner.
As with many internet phenomena, online gaming has grown faster than governments have been able to adapt. Today, high-quality providers of online casinos and slots operate securely across borders all around the world.
Each nation is finding its own way to adapt to this new era of gambling. Governments are looking for ways to best protect their economy and allow their citizens to enjoy these exciting new opportunities.
Scandinavia, at the northern tip of central Europe, is an interesting region when it comes to gambling regulations. Each of its five countries – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland – plus the Faroe Islands, each has its own approach.
Sweden and Denmark generally have a more liberal approach to gambling, while Norway and Finland are more restrictive. The individual details of each country’s regulations are, however, much more complex.
Sweden
Scandinavia’s largest nation is often seen as a benchmark for those seeking to employ a liberal attitude towards online gambling. While its array of authorities, regulating bodies, and licenses can seem complex, the general philosophy is very simple.
Any company can market gambling activities to Swedish citizens so long as it complies with the Swedish Gambling Act 2019. While the act does not specifically cover online casinos, the expectation is that all providers should apply for a license.
In exchange for paying license fees and levies, and complying with Swedish regulations, rights to advertise within Sweden are granted. As a result, Swedes have access to some of the best poker, casino, slots, bingo, and betting in the world.
Denmark
Until the Danish Gambling Act 2012, the state-controlled Danske Spil was the only organization authorized to offer gambling in Denmark. Since this act, online casino platforms and sports betting can be offered by anyone approved by the Danish regulatory bodies.
Strict operational regulations are still in place, including licensing requirements, payment methods, consumer protection, and safeguarding rights to withdraw funds. So long as these are met, however, providers are free to offer poker, bingo, betting, horse racing, lotteries, and casinos.
In taking this approach, Denmark has found a balance between safeguarding its citizens, maintaining regulatory control, and allowing individual freedoms. Similar to Sweden, Danes have access to the best online providers while their government both keeps control and benefits financially.
Norway
While Norway was one of the first Scandinavian nations to legalize gambling in 1927, very little change has happened since. Norwegian gambling is heavily regulated through the Totalisator Act 1927, the Gaming Scheme Act 1992, and the Lottery Act 1995.
In 1948, the state-controlled Norsk Tipping was established to oversee lottery, sports betting, and instant games played in the country. Norsk Rikstoto was added to Norway’s regulating bodies in 1982 to take control of gambling on horse racing.
Through gambling being a virtual state monopoly, Norway channels a huge amount of funding to boost sporting and cultural initiatives. However, this means any Norwegian citizens looking to play online slots or casinos are driven to unregulated offshore providers.
Finland
The most easterly Scandinavian country, Finland, is a nation on the edge of change when it comes to gambling regulations. Currently, each aspect of the industry is heavily regulated through a complex collection of state bodies.
Similar to Norway, Finland uses this virtual monopoly to collect funding for several social causes and initiatives for its citizens. Its regulations, however, are designed for land-based operations and are inadequate for the new online era.
Offshore providers are prohibited from marketing directly to Finnish citizens, but Finland cannot prevent those citizens from registering accounts. Finland must decide which model to follow, the liberal licensing of Sweden and Denmark, or the strict control of Norway.
Iceland & The Faroe Islands
The smaller Scandinavian nation of Iceland has taken a much more straightforward approach to gamble – it’s banned. Iceland’s government cannot prevent citizens from using offshore providers, but marketing to Icelanders or operating within their borders is prohibited.
Similarly, there are no land-based casinos on the Faroe Islands, and ships are prevented from allowing gambling within their waters. Citizens do, however, have access to online sports betting, bingo, poker, and lotteries through the Danish state operator, Danske Spil.
New Era
There’s no right or wrong way for a nation to approach gambling regulations and each will find its own way. Each nation must take into account, though, that online casinos, slots, and other games are growing in popularity every day.
There’s no doubt that attitudes and approaches will continue to change as each year passes and demand continues to rise. Scandinavia offers an interesting study on the benefits of each approach for each nation, its citizens, and the gambling industry.