Key Moments:
- Lotteritilsynet notified ISPs about 178 additional gambling domains under consideration for DNS blocking
- The consultation period invites feedback from ISPs and gambling companies before a final decision is made
- Written responses to the advance notice are due by 16 December 2025
Expanding the List of Blocked Online Gambling Sites
Lotteritilsynet, Norway’s gambling authority, has sent a significant notification to the country’s internet service providers, highlighting 178 online gambling domains it believes are illegally targeting Norwegian players. The regulator’s communication clarifies that, while these sites are under review for DNS blocking, no restriction is currently in place. Stakeholders are being given an opportunity to provide input prior to any final action.
Scope of Domains Under Consideration
These 178 sites represent a mix of online casino operators, betting platforms, and skin-gambling services, ranging from major international brands to niche offerings. The full draft list is included in the regulator’s notice, with a warning that the final roster could differ by the time any DNS block is enacted.
| Sample Domains Under Consideration |
|---|
| 14Spinmama74.com |
| 24bettle |
| 500.casino |
| BitStarz |
| Roobet |
| Vulkanvegas |
| And many more… |
Legal Basis and Criteria
The proposed actions are rooted in section 4 and section 32 a of the Gambling Act, which prohibit unauthorized gambling offers that are directed at Norwegian users. Lotteritilsynet has identified platforms meeting several criteria that indicate an intent to serve Norwegian customers, such as Norwegian-language interfaces, acceptance of Norwegian krone, support for local customer service, use of Norwegian iconography, targeted marketing, and payment systems tailored to bypass Norway’s payment mediation restrictions.
Of the domains listed, 123 include Norwegian language functionality, and some skin-gambling platforms integrate Norwegian-language Steam environments. Lotteritilsynet applies these factors in its assessments on whether a site is aimed at Norway.
Recent Evaluations and Player Risk Warnings
The regulator conducted its latest content reviews from 4 July 2025 through the notification date. The inquiry focused solely on platforms enabling direct gambling activity, excluding pure affiliates or marketing-only domains.
Reflecting on outcomes from prior test play, Lotteritilsynet cautions consumers about possible payment flows through opaque third-parties, the creation of foreign accounts in users’ names, and risks of exposure to financial crimes such as money laundering.
Operator Notification and Opportunity to Respond
Regulatory protocol requires that Lotteritilsynet first attempt to contact the operators of targeted websites before implementing blocks. To that end, all implicated companies have received a joint letter by post or email, depending on available contact information. Every listed site has at least one identified contact channel. The correspondence outlines the regulator’s position on their legal status and invites comments or requests for case materials. Operators have until 16 December 2025 to respond and may avoid a blocking order by bringing their operations into compliance.
Assessment of DNS Blocking’s Impact
According to section 32 a, Lotteritilsynet must consider whether restricting access to these gambling offers through DNS blocks serves the public interest proportionately. For ISPs, the regulator notes that DNS blocking is already utilized for other types of content. The commercial nature of the affected gambling services means they do not enjoy strong protections compared to other types of speech. For players, access to general gambling information from other, legal sources remains available even if these particular sites are blocked.
Access attempts to blocked domains will generate landing pages informing users about the illegality of the offers, transaction risks, and potential legal exposure, with rules specifying the format and content of these notification pages.
Implementation Procedures and Next Milestones
ISPs are currently under no obligation to block the identified domains; the present notice is solely for comment and review. Should a formal order be issued, it will specify the final domain list, a start date with at least one week’s notice, and instructions for redirecting users. Uniform requirements will govern landing page content and presentation.
The regulator assumes responsibility in the event of any error in domain blocking.
Timeline and Decision-Making Process
All 178 domains highlighted in the advance notice remain accessible from within Norway as the process unfolds. Both ISPs and gambling site operators may examine the documents and lodge written opinions before the 16 December 2025 deadline. Following the conclusion of the comment period, Lotteritilsynet will reassess which sites warrant blocking, whether violations persist, and what corrective actions – if any – have been undertaken. The final course of action will be determined based on these findings, giving compliant operators a chance to avoid enforcement.
- Author
Daniel Williams
