In Norway, a proposal that would ban transactions between residents and online poker and gambling sites passed through Parliament late last week according to numerous media sources.

Similar to America’s Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, the draft legislation could come into force as soon as next summer as long as regulations enforcing the ban are finalised.

The proposals have been in the works for some time as the Government in Oslo responds to a growing public backlash against gambling. According to a report from the Reuters news agency published in October, gambling addictions in the Scandinavian country increased dramatically following the introduction of slot machines. Although certain slots were soon banned as a result, the problem persists with politicians perceiving a hard-line approach to all gambling activities as a guaranteed vote winner.

The Remote Gambling Association, the European Commission and the nation’s Financial Services Association are just a few of the voices that have opposed any such ban and numerous experts have predicted that the bill could go all the way to the European Court of Justice before any resolution is found. However, a national election is scheduled for next September, which could see any proposals delayed or even thrown out.


Source: iGamingBusiness.com