Best sports betting sites in Norway for May 2024

Norway is a country with a rich sporting culture and a passion for betting. However, the Norwegian gambling market is highly regulated and restricted by the government, which operates two state-owned bookmakers, Norsk Rikstoto and Norsk Tipping, and bans all other operators. Despite this, many Norwegian bettors choose to join international sportsbooks that accept players from Norway and offer better odds, markets, bonuses and services. In this article, we will provide you with some useful information and tips on how to find the best bookmakers in Norway and enjoy online betting safely and legally.

Popular Sports and Leagues for Betting in Norway

Norway is known for its excellence in winter sports, especially skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing and ski jumping. The country has produced many Olympic champions and world-class athletes in these disciplines, such as Marit Bjørgen, Petter Northug, Ole Einar Bjørndalen and Kjetil André Aamodt. Therefore, it is not surprising that these sports are very popular among Norwegian bettors, who can find a wide range of events and markets to bet on throughout the year.

However, winter sports are not the only ones that attract the attention of Norwegian punters. Football is also a major sport in Norway, both at the domestic and international level. The Norwegian top division, Eliteserien, features 16 teams that compete for the title and the qualification to European competitions. Some of the most successful and popular clubs are Rosenborg, Molde, Brann and Vålerenga. The Norwegian national team has also participated in three World Cups and one European Championship, and boasts some famous players such as Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Joshua King.

Other sports that have a significant fan base and betting interest in Norway are ice hockey, handball, basketball, tennis, golf and MMA. In fact, Norway has some of the best ice hockey players in the world, such as Mats Zuccarello, Patrick Thoresen and Jonas Holøs. The country also has a strong tradition in handball, with both the men's and women's national teams being among the top contenders in every major tournament. Moreover, Norway has produced some notable stars in other sports, such as Magnus Carlsen in chess, Casper Ruud in tennis, Viktor Hovland in golf and Emil Meek in MMA.

Popular Types of Welcome Bonuses and Other Bonuses in Norway

One of the main advantages of joining international bookmakers in Norway is that they offer generous welcome bonuses and other promotions to attract and reward their customers. These bonuses can vary in type, amount and conditions, but they usually provide a great opportunity to boost your bankroll and enhance your betting experience. Here are some of the most common types of bonuses that you can find at online bookmakers in Norway:

• Matched deposit bonus: This is a bonus that matches your first deposit by a certain percentage (usually 100%) up to a maximum amount. For example, if you deposit 1000 NOK at a bookmaker that offers a 100% matched deposit bonus up to 2000 NOK, you will receive another 1000 NOK as bonus money. However, you will have to meet some wagering requirements before you can withdraw your bonus or any winnings from it.
• Free bet: This is a bonus that gives you a free bet (or several) of a fixed amount after you make your first deposit or place your first bet. For example, if you deposit 500 NOK at a bookmaker that offers a 500 NOK free bet as a welcome bonus, you will receive a 500 NOK free bet that you can use on any market or event of your choice. However, you will only keep the winnings from your free bet (not the stake), and you may have to meet some minimum odds or turnover requirements before you can withdraw them.
• Risk-free bet: This is a bonus that gives you a refund (in cash or as a free bet) if your first bet loses. For example, if you place a 1000 NOK bet at a bookmaker that offers a 1000 NOK risk-free bet as a welcome bonus, and your bet loses, you will receive your 1000 NOK back either as cash or as a free bet. However, if your bet wins, you will not receive any bonus.
• Cashback bonus: This is a bonus that gives you back a percentage of your net losses (or sometimes your total stakes) over a certain period of time (usually a week or a month). For example, if you lose 5000 NOK in a week at a bookmaker that offers a 10% cashback bonus, you will receive 500 NOK back as bonus money. However, you may have to meet some wagering requirements before you can withdraw your bonus or any winnings from it.

In addition to welcome bonuses, many bookmakers in Norway also offer other types of promotions to their existing customers, such as reload bonuses, loyalty programs, enhanced odds, acca boosts, acca insurance, free bets clubs, refer-a-friend bonuses and more. These promotions can vary in frequency, duration and terms, but they can also provide some extra value and fun to your betting activity. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the promotions page of your chosen bookmaker regularly and take advantage of the offers that suit your preferences and style.

The most common odds

One of the first things you should look at when comparing bookmakers in Norway is the odds they offer. The odds are the numbers that indicate how likely an event is to happen and how much money you can win if you bet on it. The higher the odds, the lower the probability of the event, but also the higher the potential payout.

There are different ways of expressing odds, such as decimal, fractional or American. In Norway, the most common format is decimal, which shows how much money you will get back for every unit you stake. For example, if you bet 100 NOK on an event with odds of 2.50, you will get back 250 NOK if you win (100 x 2.50 = 250).

Deposit and withdrawal methods available in Norway

Another important factor to consider when choosing a bookmaker in Norway is the deposit and withdrawal methods they offer. You want to make sure that you can easily fund your account and cash out your winnings using a convenient and secure method.

Some of the most common deposit and withdrawal methods available in Norway are:

• Credit cards: This is one of the easiest and fastest ways to deposit and withdraw money from your betting account. Most bookmakers accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. However, some banks may charge fees or block transactions related to gambling.
• E-wallets: This is one of the most popular and convenient ways to deposit and withdraw money from your betting account. E-wallets are online services that allow you to store and transfer money electronically. Some of the most widely used e-wallets by Norwegian players are Skrill, Neteller and ecoPayz.
• Cryptocurrencies: This is one of the most innovative and secure ways to deposit and withdraw money from your betting account. Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that operate independently from any central authority or intermediary. Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies by Norwegian players are Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.

Legal and tax issues related to betting in Norway

The last thing you should be aware of when betting in Norway is the legal and tax issues related to gambling. As we mentioned before, the Norwegian government has a monopoly on the gambling industry, and only allows two state-owned bookmakers to operate legally in the country. This means that all other bookmakers are technically illegal and unregulated.

However, this does not mean that Norwegian players cannot bet on international bookmakers. The law does not prohibit Norwegian players from accessing and using foreign bookmakers, as long as they accept players from Norway. The government does not actively enforce or prosecute players who bet on offshore sites, so there is no real risk involved.

However, there are some tax implications that you should be aware of. According to the Norwegian tax law, any winnings from gambling that exceed 10,000 NOK are subject to a 28% income tax. This applies to both domestic and foreign bookmakers. Therefore, if you win more than 10,000 NOK from betting, you are required to report it and pay taxes on it.

How to choose the most suitable bookmaker

One of the first things to look at when choosing a bookmaker is the license. You want to make sure that the bookmaker is regulated by a reputable authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner. These licenses ensure that the bookmaker follows high standards of fairness, security, and responsible gambling.

Another thing to check is the reputation of the bookmaker. You can read online reviews from other users, or ask for recommendations from your friends or fellow bettors. You want to avoid bookmakers that have a history of delayed payments, poor customer service, or unfair practices.

The third factor to consider is the odds. The odds are the prices that the bookmaker offers for each outcome of an event. The higher the odds, the more money you can win if you bet correctly. However, not all bookmakers offer the same odds for the same events. Therefore, it is advisable to compare different bookmakers and find the one that offers the best odds for your preferred markets.

The fourth factor is the bonuses and promotions. Many bookmakers offer incentives for new and existing customers, such as free bets, cashback, enhanced odds, or loyalty programs. These bonuses can boost your bankroll and give you more chances to win. However, you should always read the terms and conditions of each bonus carefully, as they may have wagering requirements, time limits, or other restrictions.

The fifth factor is the payment methods. You want to choose a bookmaker that accepts your preferred payment method, whether it is a credit card, an e-wallet, a bank transfer, or a cryptocurrency. You also want to check the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits, the processing time, and the fees that may apply.

FAQ

Is online betting legal in Norway?

Online betting is legal in Norway, but it is regulated by a state monopoly. The only two operators that are authorized to offer online betting services in Norway are Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto. However, many Norwegian bettors choose to use foreign bookmakers that accept customers from Norway, as they offer more variety and better odds.

How can I access foreign bookmakers from Norway?

Some foreign bookmakers may be blocked by internet service providers in Norway, as they are considered illegal by the Norwegian authorities. However, you can use a VPN (virtual private network) service to bypass these restrictions and access any bookmaker you want. A VPN allows you to change your IP address and appear as if you are browsing from another country.

What currency can I use to bet online in Norway?

The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone (NOK). However, not all bookmakers accept NOK as a currency option. In that case, you can use another currency, such as EUR or USD, but you may have to pay conversion fees when depositing or withdrawing money. Alternatively, you can use a cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which is accepted by some bookmakers and has no conversion fees.

What are the best sports to bet on in Norway?

The most popular sports to bet on in Norway are football (soccer), winter sports (such as skiing or biathlon), handball, ice hockey, and tennis. However, you can find many other sports and events to bet on at online bookmakers, such as basketball, golf, MMA, esports, politics, or entertainment.

How can I improve my betting skills in Norway?

Betting is not just about luck; it also requires skill and knowledge. If you want to improve your betting skills in Norway, you should do some research before placing your bets. You should learn about the teams or players involved in each event, their form, their strengths and weaknesses, their head-to-head records, their injuries or suspensions, etc. You should also analyze the statistics and trends of each market and look for value bets. Moreover, you should manage your money wisely and set a budget for your betting activities.