Modifications in DNS Blocking in Norway: Less Impactful Than Anticipated

Let's Get Real About DNS Blocking: Six Months In

Got your New Year's resolutions sorted, but what about Norway's, huh? On January 1st, 2025, they decided to give DNS blocking a whirl, a shiny new toy tucked in their ongoing quest to oust unauthorized gambling websites. But did it make any real difference? Let's dig in.

Market Status: Nope, Still Rockin'

We gave a call to Daniel Myrdal, an expert from Oddsbonuser.nu, who keeps tabs on the gambling game in Norway. His verdict? "Not much has changed," he said with a shrug. "Folks who were into these sites before? Most of 'em are still in the mix. The blocks? They're easy to get past, and most players that wanna play already know the tricks."

So, headlines and government hoopla aside, the gambling scene in Norway looks awfully recognizable.

No Big Boys Bouncing: They’re Gone, Remember?

No significant operators skedaddled due to DNS blocking. The ones that took off, like Unibet and Betsson, bolted long before the new measures raised their hands. Their departures had more to do with rising legal heat and payment blocks than DNS filters.

Everyone that stayed? They knew what was coming and sat tight anyway.

Hakuna Matata for International Players

And those that stayed? They're in high spirits. The same international heavyweights that's been courting Norwegian players for yonks are still grinning ear to ear. New promos, fresh casino games, sports betting bonuses that would make Santa's jingle bells ring, and a wider variety of payment methods than ever.

DNS blocks, huh? Seems like they're just two pebbles in the river to these folks.

Boabet: The New Kid on the Block

Here's a twist - not only did existing operators stick around, but a fresh face has joined the party: Boabet. This newbie launched after DNS blocking became a thing.

Boabet couldn't care less about the DNS restrictions. They've rolled out a full platform, run promos in Norwegian, and made it clear they're setting their sights on a piece of the market. Guess what? DNS blocking ain't scaring these guys off.

The Final Verdict

Six months down the line, and the big picture's surprisingly intact. Players are still playing. Operators are still operating. And new brands are even making their moves.

Initially, DNS blocking sounded like a game-changer, but six months in, it's looking more like a minor speed bump.

(Note: While exact data on the quantities of blocked sites and affected companies are not available from these sources, Norway's ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal gambling activities indicate that DNS blocking is part of a broader strategy to restrict access to unlicensed gambling sites.)

Despite the implementation of DNS blocking, people who were previously interested in online gambling in Norway still find ways to access casino-games and sports betting, as the blocks are reportedly easy to bypass.
In an unexpected turn of events, a new online gambling platform, Boabet, has emerged and shown no signs of being deterred by the DNS restrictions, suggesting that casino-culture and gambling-trends continue to thrive in the casino-and-gambling landscape of Norway.