Himanshu Gulati, a senior figure in Norway’s Progress Party, has put forth the party’s ambition to dismantle the nation’s gambling monopoly. Speaking at the Spillkonferansen conference this week, Gulati highlighted the party’s plan to transition to a licensing model, which would become a key cultural policy focus should the Progress Party regain governmental control. This move is part of a broader strategy to reform Norway’s gambling market, in line with the party’s longstanding opposition to the current monopoly system.
The Progress Party has consistently advocated for a reformed licensing framework, arguing that the current monopoly results in substantial financial outflows without benefiting domestic sports or cultural sectors. Despite the Labour Party’s victory in the 2025 elections, maintaining its majority with 53 parliamentary seats, the Progress Party gained traction, securing 48 seats and enhancing its influence.
Gulati, drawing on his political experience, cited past deregulation efforts by the Progress Party, including legalizing cash poker and lifting certain sports restrictions, as precedents for updating outdated regulations. He argued for a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to gambling policy reform, highlighting that Norway’s monopoly stands out in contrast to the evolving regulatory landscapes in countries like Finland, which is set to launch a liberalized iGaming market in 2027.
Critics of Norway’s current monopoly model, including Gulati, question its effectiveness, particularly given the rise of offshore gambling operators and concerns about channelisation. Recent regulatory issues involving Norsk Tipping, the state-owned gambling operator, have spotlighted vulnerabilities in the monopoly system, including technical errors and concerns over operational quality and player protection measures.
The absence of comprehensive strategies to address problem gambling in Norway also remains a subject of critique. Gulati emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to combat gambling-related harms, underscoring that such initiatives require bipartisan support. Norway’s recent unveiling of a four-year plan to tackle problem gambling marks a step in this direction, but further policy development is anticipated.
Addressing match-fixing and sports integrity was another key topic at the conference. Gulati stressed the universal opposition to corruption in sports and advocated for policy reforms to improve detection and deterrence mechanisms. These discussions reinforce the broader narrative of the need for modernization and enhanced regulatory frameworks in Norway’s gambling sector.
Looking ahead, the Progress Party’s push for policy change faces numerous hurdles, notably the need for greater parliamentary influence and public support. The party’s focus will likely remain on challenging the monopoly system and advocating for a shift towards a licensing model. Whether these efforts will translate into legislative action depends on future political dynamics and continued dialogue within Norway’s regulatory environment.
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