Norway approves DNS blocking of iGaming domains

Norway is set to begin blocking access to unlicensed online gaming websites under an amendment to the Gambling Act.

The DNS blocking amendment to the country’s Gambling Act, which was approved by parliament last week, allows the Norwegian Lottery Authority to order internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to gambling websites that are suspected of targeting the market without a local licence.

The DNS blocking plan was the subject of a public consultation in early 2023 and had been expected to come into force in January of this year.

The approved amendment also gives the national gambling regulator the authority to impose financial penalties on ISPs that fail to implement a DNS blocking order.

The Norwegian Lottery Authority believes that DNS blocking will serve to increase protection for consumers by limiting the availability of the most high-risk gambling games.