Investigation Finds Norway's DNS Blocking Has Not Halted Offshore Casino Traffic

NRK's investigation found that visits from Norway to 48 casino websites blocked in March 2025 increased by 30 percent after the blocking order, and 67 sites subject to later DNS enforcement still registered more than 7.1m visits since they were blocked. The broadcaster's analysis covers 115 websites and compares traffic before and after three rounds of DNS blocking enforced by the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority (Lottstift).

NRK's measurements and the core findings

Journalists at Norwegian national broadcaster NRK used traffic data from US company Semrush to measure Norwegian internet visits to offshore casino sites. For the 48 sites that were blocked in March 2025, NRK reports a 30 percent increase in visitors following the blocking order. Across the full sample of 115 websites reviewed — which includes sites blocked in March 2025, June 2025 and February 2026 — traffic to sites targeted in the June 2025 and February 2026 rounds decreased, but the 67 sites subject to those later rounds still recorded more than 7.1m visits in the period since DNS enforcement began.

Regulator response and enforcement record

The Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority, referred to in official materials as Lottstift, introduced DNS blocking powers and has since blocked 238 websites operated by 72 different companies. Lottstift says 71 of those sites have changed their offering so it cannot be accessed by Norwegian customers.

Lottstift disputed the interpretation of NRK's figures and stressed that Semrush provides “estimates”. The regulator pointed to survey data indicating the number of offshore gamblers fell in 2025, while also acknowledging it uses the same tools and methodology in its enforcement work.

Tore Bell, head of the regulator, told NRK:

"Another measurement shows a more flat development, so we see no growth. We believe there would have been more players from foreign companies if it weren't for DNS blocking, and for banks to stop bets and winnings," he said.

Political reaction and a ministerial review

Norway's Minister of Culture & Equality, Lubna Boby Jaffery, responded to a parliamentary question on 5 November 2026 by instructing a review of website blocking. She said:

"I believe that the figures contribute to the need to take a closer look at the regulations related to DNS blocking," and added that DNS blocking was assumed to have an effect both by limiting public access and as an information measure.

The minister said she would order Lottstift to assess how successful its blocking efforts have actually been.

Industry critique and market shifts

NRK's analysis highlights a shift in the market after Norway's enforcement and litigation closed much of the European-based grey market. Operators formerly active from Europe were disrupted, and offshore operators based in jurisdictions including Curacao have filled the gap.

Carl Fredrik Stenstrøm, secretary general of industry trade group NBO, told NRK: "The measure completely misses the intention, which is to protect vulnerable groups." He called the result evidence that Norway's gaming policy "doesn't work."

Opposition politicians and parties that campaigned to abolish the monopoly also reacted. Representatives of the Progress Party and the Conservative Party told NRK that the DNS blocking policy appeared to be a waste of government resources. Deputy director of the Liberal Party, Ingvild Wetrhus Thorsvik, said: "The figures from NRK show what we warned against, namely that DNS blocking is an unsuccessful measure to get fewer people to use casinos. Here we pay a price in principle without getting the effect."

What's at stake for Norsk Tipping

Norsk Tipping's position as Norway's monopoly operator is politically uncertain after the 2025 elections shifted parliamentary arithmetic. Labour retained the most seats but now governs in a minority, while the combined seats of the Progress and Conservative Parties exceed Labour and both campaigned to abolish the monopoly. The parliamentary scrutiny and the minister-ordered review place Lottstift's DNS blocking strategy and the regulatory protection of Norsk Tipping under renewed examination. For reporting on regulatory developments, see regulation and for wider industry reaction see news.