Norway’s state lottery operator Norsk Tipping is once again under fire: After a flawed “super draw” excluded over 16,000 players, the regulator Lotteritilsynet threatens a fine of up to NOK 25 million (€2.15 million) – and speaks of “gross negligence”.

At present all forms of interactive gaming via electronic channels are prohibited in Norway. However the state controlled monopolies Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto may allow for players to participate in their terrestrial gaming activities via the internet. In December 2008 the Norwegian Parliament enacted the bill proposal from the Norwegian Government regarding a prohibition on processing of payments from Norway to non-licensed remote gambling sites.

Brussels (Reuters) - A European court ruled on Wednesday that Norway could be in breach of European internal-market rules by blocking bookmaker Ladbrokes from setting up gambling operations in the Scandinavian country. The ultimate decision will be made by an Oslo court, which will use the European Free Trade Association court (EFTA court) ruling on the law to help it decide the case.