URGENT UPDATE: Norwegian lottery operator Norsk Tipping is facing a potential $2.5 million fine due to serious errors linked to its April 19 Supertrekning lottery draw. This penalty, announced by the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority (Lotteritilsynet) on September 29, comes amidst ongoing scrutiny over the operator’s management of lottery results.
The NOK 25 million fine stems from a significant mistake that led to the wrongful selection of 52 winners who were supposed to receive over a million krone each. The issue arose when Norsk Tipping inadvertently excluded 16,698 players—representing 0.2% of all entries—from the draw due to a deletion error involving bets placed via cooperative banks during the holiday period.
Officials at Lotteritilsynet emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that these inaccuracies not only invalidated the lottery outcomes but also eroded public trust in the integrity of lottery operations in Norway.
“This was a very serious error that undermined public trust in the accuracy of lottery results,”
said department director Tore Bell.
Adding to the turmoil, Norsk Tipping is also grappling with a separate investigation regarding a significant error in its Eurojackpot system. This has raised further concerns about the company’s ability to manage its operations effectively. Bell highlighted that Norsk Tipping had claimed the lottery draw was conducted correctly, which was later proven to be untrue, compounding the damage to its reputation.
The implications of these findings are profound, as they not only impact the players who were excluded but also put the entire lottery system under a microscope. Affected players have been refunded; however, the regulatory authority insists that the integrity of the lottery must be upheld.
Looking ahead, Norsk Tipping must address these issues swiftly to restore public confidence and avoid further penalties. The situation is developing, and stakeholders across Norway are watching closely as more information becomes available. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency and accuracy in lottery operations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story as Norsk Tipping navigates this challenging landscape.
