It may lose its case in Europe but the Norwegian Government is determined to have its way. Some time ago a Court of Appeal in Norway found that the state monopoly on gaming machines was not necessarily disproportionate and could remain, a decision contested under EU laws on monopolies. Norway wants to give Norsk Tipping, the football pools organization owned by the Government, the monopoly on gambling machines.

According to newspaper reports, Minister of Culture Trond Giske has stated that if the European courts refuse to accept the Norsk Tipping monopoly, there would be a permanent ban on gambling machines in Norway. The Government wants to keep a very limited number of strictly regulated machines operated by Norsk Tipping. As of 1 July, 2007 all gambling machine licences in the country will expire.

Following prolonged public debate over increasing problem gambling numbers, the Government has decided not to renew the gambling licences. 15,000 slot machines will be removed from a wide variety of venues, including bars and shopping malls. The EU decision is pending and even if Norway should win it will not become effective until 2008. This will mean that either temporarily or permanently, Norway will be without gaming machines after 1 July next year. (E-08.23.06)

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