Norsk Tipping Doesn't Want Bets on Elections

Norway betting group Norsk Tipping has said that they don't want to see any betting on the outcome of elections within the country, noting that it feels the wagers could manipulate results.

The country's gaming regulator has previously warned that odds offered by offshore groups could provide interference at the polls, as votes could be affected due to betting lines rather than the genuine interests of voters. Following these concerns, Norsk Tipping said that they won't be offering these kinds of bets, and that they'll stick to other kinds of wagers.

Speaking about the matter Norsk Tipping's Tonje Sagstuen noted: "It would be possible to [offer odds on the elections], but there are many good reasons not to. The most important thing is that if money is at stake on the outcome of local elections, it can affect both the election and its result in a number of ways.

"It could affect how you vote yourself [and] it allows for […] manipulation. In other words, gambling can affect, directly or indirectly, who gets into power in your municipality."

Odds on political contests outside of Norway will still be allowed, with events like the US presidential election still up for grabs.