TITLE: Norway Launches New Action Plan Against Gambling Problems for 2026-2029
BODY:
On March 27, 2026, the Norwegian government released a new action plan against gambling problems covering the period 2026 to 2029. The plan was developed by the Lottery Authority (Lotteritilsynet) in collaboration with the Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet) and the Media Authority (Medietilsynet), with input from the Norwegian Film Institute.
The action plan establishes three primary objectives: minimising the number of people experiencing gambling problems; enabling early identification and providing quality treatment for problematic gambling behaviour; and increasing and sharing knowledge about gambling and gambling problems. Prevention work targeting children and young people becomes a clearer priority area, with a new prevention programme to be offered to schools, youth clubs, sports organisations, and other actors. The plan addresses particular concern regarding young people who play video games extensively—particularly those purchasing loot boxes, skins, or participating in skin betting—who demonstrate higher risk of developing gambling problems. This finding comes from a 2025 study by Spillforsk at the University of Bergen surveying 9,000 young people aged 12 to 17 years. The plan emphasises developing treatment services across all levels, making low-threshold and specialised services more accessible, and ensuring services monitor developments in digital gambling markets and usage patterns. It also prioritises improved support and assistance for families and relatives of those affected by gambling problems, alongside better information and knowledge sharing about available treatment options for players, relatives, and municipal health services.
Financing for the action plan's measures comes from Norwegian Tipping's surplus, with implementation overseen by the Lottery and Foundations Authority, the Media Authority, the Directorate of Health, and the Research Council.
REFERENCES:
https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/regjeringa-legg-fram-ein-ny-handlingsplan-mot-speleproblem/id2968/