Norway Opens Case Over Alleged Betsson Surrogate Advertising During Champions League Match

^{Pictured: Federico Dimarco and Lautaro Martínez, Inter players}

Norway’s gambling regulator, Lotteritilsynet, has launched an investigation into an incident that occurred during a Champions League match between Bodø-Glimt and Inter, iGaming Today reported.

The investigation was prompted by the appearance of the Betsson.sport logo on the Italian club’s shirts.

While the brand is formally positioned as a sports news and media project, the regulator is examining its potential links to the Betsson betting group and assessing whether the placement could constitute indirect advertising of gambling services prohibited under Norwegian law.

The regulator’s scrutiny reflects Norway’s strict ban on gambling advertising by private operators. Only state-owned companies, such as Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto, are permitted to promote gambling services. Foreign bookmakers without a local licence are barred from advertising their brands in Norway, including through sponsorships, logo placements or other indirect marketing mechanisms.

If a direct link to gambling activities is established, the logo placement could be classified as a breach of Norway’s ban on gambling advertising.

Lotteritilsynet said the advertising prohibition is interpreted broadly: if a name is widely recognised as a gambling brand, it may fall within the scope of the restrictions, even if the specific website does not formally accept bets.

The regulator confirmed that a case has been opened in connection with the incident and that it has begun assessing a potential violation of gambling advertising rules. A decision following the review has not yet been announced.

Gambling Park previously reported that dutch court orders Betsson to pay player €530K in dispute over unlicensed gambling.