Poker Update – Apart from being cold, Norway is a country known for its economic prowess and progressive attitude to most things.
Most aspects of gaming, however, have long been illegal in the northern European country, with lotteries and sports the only types of gaming allowed there.
That is set to change under an initiative by Norway’s government to legalise, expand and regulate the country’s gaming market.
Poker would be one of the games that would benefit under the proposed reforms, although only to a degree. While poker tournaments would be legal in Norway under the newly elected government’s planned reforms, those tournaments would only be allowed at low stakes.
The main reason for the decision to legalise other forms of gaming can be seen in the main government report on the issue of gaming. The report states that broadening the Norwegian gaming industry could be an economic benefit to the country and that it should be pursued as a result.
“The Government will continue to pursue policies that take account of gamblers and ensure that revenues from gambling in Norway shall accrue profit purposes,” the report said. “[The] Government will examine the issue of licensing for foreign game companies to see if it is possible to combine social policy and increased total revenues for volunteering in the European Economic Agreement limits.”
Although poker is likely to only be offered legally at small stakes as part of the gaming regulations, it may help grow the game in a country which has spawned some of the world’s top professional poker players.
