Minister Giske To Ban Online Poker in Norway

On September 30th, 2007, the poker circuit in Scandinavia may have been given a major problem this week following reports that Norway may be enforcing a similar law like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act or the UIGEA.

The culture minister of Norway, Trond Giske is thinking of passing a bill banning poker online similar to the UIGEA in the United States. This is something of a major blow to Norwegian poker professionals after the world just witnessed the triumph of Annette Obrestad at the world series of poker Europe Main Event.

About four Scandinavian players also made it to the final table of the event. Giske is known for being opposed to gaming because he believes that gaming will only cause chronic gamblers. Giske tried to ban slot machines in Norway last year and because of that, slot machines became "less intimidating" in Norway.

Online gaming is already prohibited in Norway but is not strictly enforced. Giske's bill will prohibit IP addresses from logging into online casino sites and prohibiting business transactions between financial organizations and gaming operators.

Scandinavian poker is already experiencing a lot of problems especially with different conflicting rules in the European continent. Denmark has ruled earlier this year that poker was a game of skill, not luck but Sweden has prohibited any poker activity in the country. But despite all of these problems, poker players from Scandinavia are some of the best in the world.

October 18, 2007
William Atkins