Norsk Tipping chief executive Tonje Sagstuen has resigned following a tumultuous Eurojackpot game on Friday.
The draw for Friday’s Eurojackpot game went off without a hitch but an error at Norsk Tipping saw thousands of players receive notifications that they had won significantly higher amounts than the actual prizes awarded.
The error was caused by the use of an incorrect exchange rate between the Euro and Norwegian Krona, which led to many players being informed of life-changing wins.
“I am terribly sorry that we have disappointed so many, and I understand that people are angry with us,” said Sagstuen, who has since resigned.
“I have received many messages from people who had managed to make plans for holidays, buying an apartment or renovating before they realised that the amount was wrong. To them I can only say Sorry! But I understand that it is a small consolation.”
Norsk Tipping chairwoman Sylvia Brustad commented: “The board and Tonje have come to the conclusion that the most important thing now is to get peace of mind around the company and the important improvement processes that have been initiated. Therefore, Tonje herself has chosen to step down as CEO after many months of very high work pressure. It is a decision that the board unanimously supports her in.
“I would like to thank Tonje for the important and good job she has done for the company and for the improvement work she has initiated. This work will strengthen Norsk Tipping in the long term.”
Sagstuen added: “As a manager, it has been my responsibility to handle the errors that have occurred, and it has been very gratifying to see how a united Norsk Tipping has responded to the challenges and worked day and night to solve them.
“That is why it is also incredibly sad to leave Norsk Tipping and all the talented people who work at Hamar. I will miss everyone I have worked with, but I am confident that all the improvement processes we have initiated are in good hands with the team we have in place.”