Norwegian Gambling Authority targets operators on Facebook in latest clampdown
Regulator orders removal of Gamesys, ComeOn, Betsson and GiG social media pages under expanded illegal advertising powers
The Norwegian Gambling Authority (NGA) has pledged to remove 36 Facebook pages belonging to gambling firms under a new regulatory clampdown on international operators.
The full list of Facebook pages being removed has not been published but includes Gamesys’ Vera&John brand, GiG’s Guts brands and Betsson Group’s NorgesAutomaten brand, while ComeOn has also been targeted.
The regulator claimed the Facebook pages were aimed at Norwegian players in the Norwegian language and encouraged consumers to register for unlicensed illegal gambling sites.
NGA senior advisor and lawyer Monica Alisøy Kjelsnes welcomed the news as a “very positive” development and described the dialogue with Facebook as an important channel to reduce illegal gambling advertising.
“This marketing breaks with Norwegian regulations and Facebook’s own guidelines. Many Norwegians are on Facebook and the gambling companies can potentially reach them with illegal advertising,” Kjelsnes explained.
In May, the Norwegian government increased powers allowing the regulator to target ISPs and sites featuring illegal adverts ahead of a full ban of offshore gambling ads in 2021.