Norwegian monopoly operator Norsk Tipping has extended its loss limits for young gamblers to include adults up to the age of 24.
For players aged between 20 and 21, the maximum loss limit has been set to NOK 3,000 per month (approx. €255), while players aged between 22 and 24 have a maximum loss limit of NOK 5,000 per month (€425).
The decision to reduce the loss limits for this age group was a result of research conducted by the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Helpline for Gambling Addicts, as well as data gathered by the operator, which found that one in five men aged between 18 and 25 were at risk of gambling harm.
Norsk Tipping also claims that younger people are “generally more financially vulnerable” than older people and have higher living costs, making them more vulnerable.
The operator first introduced a monthly loss limit of NOK20,000 for all players in 2016, with that figure continuing to apply to players aged 25 and older. In 2023, Norsk Tipping reduced the monthly loss limit for players aged between 18 and 20 to NOK2,000.
“Few or no national gambling markets in the world protect customers better against gambling problems than the Norwegian one. Nevertheless, there is more to be done,” said the head of responsible gambling at Norsk Tipping, Bjørn Helge Hoffmann.
“The figures show that we need to protect young adults better. Statistics from both the University of Bergen and the Norwegian Helpline for Gambling Addicts demonstrate that young adults are more vulnerable to developing gambling problems than older people,” said the company.
“The most important responsibility measure is that players themselves must set their own limits before they play, and on average, players set their limit to NOK 3,600 per month.
“For those who are unable to limit themselves, the maximum loss limit is an important safety net. When this limit is lowered, it will contribute to the prevention of problem gambling and it will limit the damage for those who still have problems.”