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Read Full BioNorway’s gambling regulator, the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority (Lottstift), has launched a four-year action plan to combat match-fixing in sports.
The document is entitled “Combating Manipulation of Sports Competitions – A Strategy Plan 2025-2028” (literal translation).
Lottstift said that it had worked on the plan with the police, the Lottery and Foundations Authority, the Norwegian Football Association, the Norwegian Trotting Association, the Ministry of Culture, the police force, and licensed betting firms.
In an official release, the regulator said the plan “clarifies who is responsible” for tasks “among the many parties involved.” Lottstift senior advisor Eirik Tysse said: “We need to increase knowledge and awareness about the regulations on manipulation in sports competitions.”
Norway’s Gambling Regulator Working With Gov’t, Police
Tysse added: “We see that the work against manipulation in sports competitions is gathering more international support. More countries are now working together to fight match-fixing.”
The regulator explained that new legislation is also in development. Lottstift explained: “A national law is being drafted. It will contain an [explanation] of the national platform’s tasks and facilitate the sharing of […] data.”
It claimed that in the next four years, the parties would “consider whether” further legislative amendments would help the bodies “prevent, detect, and respond to manipulation in sporting competitions.”
The regulator explained that all the parties it consulted would now begin sharing information. They will also develop domestic and international communication networks.
Sporting organizations and gaming companies have agreed to report suspicious behavior to Lottstift. The police and the ministry say they will step in when necessary.
The bodies will also embark on information campaigns about the dangers of match-fixing and conduct regular risk assessments to identify possible upcoming areas of concern.
Communication and Education Key, Claims Regulator
Lottstift wrote that its work in the sector started in earnest in 2012. Its first anti-match fixing “National Action Plan” covered the period 2013-2015.
It claimed that it has already made important steps to stamp out match-fixing and manipulation in sports.
Lottstift noted that coach education courses in Norway now include modules on fighting match-fixing. The regulator wrote, “We have established international cooperation networks and a system for sharing information. We are working with the Council of Europe on its [sports manipulation and match fixing initiative].”
Earlier this month, the Norwegian Gambling Authority (Lotteritilsynet) announced that it had used Domain Name System (DNS) blocking methods to cut off access to 57 illegal gambling websites.
Last year, the government rolled out legal amendments that oblige online bingo games and bingo halls operating in Norway to set loss limits and register with a central body.
