Despite iGaming restrictions in Norway, the industry has continued to grow in popularity over the decades. One might ask the question, ‘What is iGaming?’. The industry consists predominantly of online sports betting and casino gaming amongst others. Gone are the days of frequenting land-based casinos to play bingo or blackjack.

Gambling has been forced into the home, and it’s comfortable there. You’re either reading this article because you’ve been marched out of the casinos due to the Covid-19 lockdowns or a regular gambler looking for news on how to have a better experience online.

This article aims to highlight the future of the iGaming industry in Norway in terms of laws, regulations and restrictions. We’ll also look at new trends and service providers to look out for in 2021, like Helt nytt casino. There’s much to be excited about.

IGaming trends to look out for in 2021

The general online gambling experience has improved for players as competition has increased. We’ve spoken to expert Chris Haagensen about what the future holds for the industry. Here’s a list of four things to expect in 2021:

1. More casino options and value for money

More online casinos have emerged in 2021, which has presented numerous options in terms of service providers. Increased competition between gambling operators means increased value for money for you.

It also means better welcome bonuses and new experiences when you try a different casino. The Helt nytt casino is an example of such a service provider currently offering a top-notch service to online gamblers. This casino has a user-friendly website and a multitude of bonuses. You’ll also find the sign-up process straightforward.

2. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

New gaming technology for 2021 includes virtual reality and augmented reality. These technology advancements provide for better viewing and gaming quality, which is a much-needed upgrade for consumers. Virtual reality headsets make you feel as though you’re somewhere else as soon as you put them on. It’s just like being in the casino! Augmented reality apps and headsets add layers to the gameplay and different dimensions to your reality.

3. Cryptocurrencies

Alongside credit cards and money transfers, cryptocurrencies have become acceptable on some gambling platforms. This is fantastic news for players, as some of the existing banking restrictions in Norway stop residents from using their accounts for online gambling.

An increase in gambling operators allowing crypto deposits could open up a more comprehensive selection of products and services for Norwegian players without being blocked by the banks.

Check your preferred gambling website’s payment methods to see if this is a reality already. If you have cryptocurrency at your disposal, you might be in luck.

4. Play on your mobile device

You can have an excellent time gambling on your mobile phone and the experience keeps getting better with technology. Most service providers have this option available to members, and the level of quality is improving all the time. These operators might also have apps that make your experience more efficient and rewarding, so you can now play seamlessly on the go.

Facts You Should Know About Norway’s Gambling Laws and Regulations

Gambling in Norway is controlled through the State, although there are no regulations blocking players gambling online. Some claim that the current restrictions are illegal according to European Union policies, but Norway has challenged this. Although private iGaming operators are permitted to partake in the industry, they do face the following limitations:

1. Norsk Tipping AS and Foundation Norsk Risktoto have the majority rights to provide gambling services in Norway.
2. A certain percentage of profits must be donated to charitable and noble causes.

The government has set these to ensure that Norwegian people’s social and financial well-being is preserved. This is because gambling, in general, has been proven to present some psycho-social challenges over the decades globally.

The verdict

The good news is that despite the restrictions mentioned above, you can continue to choose the service providers that you desire and enjoy a spectacular experience from the comfort of your home. Future gaming technology is projected to improve every year, and the onus is on the consumer to enjoy gambling responsibly.

Whether gambling will ever return to physical buildings again is yet to be determined, but we’re happy to at least have it indoors in the comfort of our homes. We think it’s safe to raise a glass to a more convenient, comfortable and high-quality iGaming experience in 2021.

Slot machines have enjoyed a rich and fascinating history with the very first device tracing its roots back for more than a hundred years. Known as the Liberty Bell, the machine saw life in the 1890s and few could have predicted just how popular its descendants would become.

In the 20th century, slot machines appeared in bars, clubs and licensed land-based casinos all over the world. They were, and still are, an important part of those establishments and the slots remain the first choice for many players.

In the new, digital age, online slots are taking over but how have they built on that legacy while staying true to the original concept?

Popular playgrounds

Those that didn’t focus on land-based casinos would have played their slot machines in pubs and bars. That original slot, the Liberty Bell, quickly became referred to as a bandit and this title caught on. In the 1960s and 1970s, slots were commonly called ‘one-armed bandits’ as players had to pull a lever in order to spin the reels.

An alternate title related to the many fruit symbols that would play out on the reels. Cherries, lemons, grapes, melons and strawberries were among the many popular images used and, so, the devices were often referred to as fruit machines.

Random results were returned but many players felt that they knew how to read slot machines. Irrespective of whether the aim is for a big jackpot prize or to simply enjoy an entertaining distraction, the slots offered an interesting addition to a night out at the pub.

A step up

Serious players would look to take their interest a stage further by hitting one of the popular casino resorts. Many countries have licensed casinos so it could just be a case of jumping on a train and enjoying a night out in London and a few spins of the reels.

Meanwhile, a whole tourist industry was being built around casino play. Las Vegas was undoubtedly at the heart of this phenomenon, but other popular locations included Nassau and Macau.

In the physical world, players can enjoy many casino games, but the slot machines really stand out here. Rows upon rows of players enjoying noisy slot play with brightly lit screens is an incredible sight and the slots will always have their place in these establishments.

Online slots cannot compete with those sights and that type of atmosphere but there are many other advantages of playing digital games.

Online options

Original online slots could be very basic and, while they enjoyed a following, the functionality could be elementary at times. Three-reel slots with one central pay line were the norm and there were no complex bonus features to negotiate.

That simplicity did have its advantages: Like all online casino games, those early slots provided convenience with players able to enjoy a few spins without leaving the comfort of their own homes.

In time, with the development of new software, the online slot industry has moved on considerably. With a blank canvas to work with, games producers can now provide slots covering a huge range of themes including cartoons, fantasy, ancient history, the wild west and many more.

The majority of slots still operate on the same concept of matching symbols along a pay line, but new technology has allowed for a whole host of new innovations. Bonus rounds such as free spins, wheels of fortune and pick rounds are now in existence and that complexity is another aspect that has helped make online slots stand out.

Keeping it reel

Online slot games can, to an extent, mirror the experience of playing in a live casino. A number of titles like to offer a nostalgic look back to a golden age when fruit machines ruled the scene. With that aim in mind, many developers still employ classic fruit symbols including those cherries, lemons and oranges.

Bright colours and stunning graphics also help to replicate the enjoyment that can be had from a slot game out in the real world. Many physical slots have now shed those levers even though the ‘bandit’ term has remained. Now, buttons are pressed, and this action is virtually identical in land based casinos and those situated online.

The best of both

In any aspect of an online casino or a digital sports betting company, the aims are similar. The initial task is to keep things simple by offering the same games that can be found in land-based casinos around the world. That’s why most online operators also provide poker, blackjack, baccarat and roulette among the slots.

From that base, those operators now have to add value and draw potential players away from those physical establishments. One obvious advantage is that of convenience with customers able to enjoy all of those games, and more, without ever having to leave the house.

But the biggest advantage held by online casinos is that of choice: With no restrictions in terms of floor space, an online operator is free to work with as many games developers as they like and that’s why most digital casinos have many hundreds of slot titles available on their website.

Online slots hold that clear advantage but they’ve had to stay true to the theme and pay their respects to those early machines from a bygone era.

If you’re hoping to improve your sports betting results, it’s important to note that the favourites don’t always win in horse racing. But by taking some care to prepare, and with many races on every day, there is always the chance of making a profit.

Big horse racing spectacles come at a relentless pace, from the Pegasus World Cup and the Kentucky Derby at the end of April to the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

In the UK, huge festivals like Cheltenham, the Derby at Epsom or the Grand National at Aintree are all anticipated keenly by racing and sports betting fans.

However, it’s not as easy as some think to pick the right horses. So, to help you select some winners in the many exciting races available, here are some useful tips to take on board.

Pick your horses wisely

A race horse’s breeding pedigree is undoubtedly important. It’s why former champions like Frankel fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds a time at stud.

It’s not a guarantee of success, of course. But good trainers know how to keep hold of their promising horses, which is why the top yards tend to be successful more often than others.

As race day approaches, a lot of things can affect how a horse runs. First you need to check how successful it is over the distance. Maybe the upcoming race is a furlong or two further than its ideal distance? That might make a difference.

What are the conditions? Some horses prefer good going and do not do so well when the going is soft. Take note of any handicap weight added to the horse for the race.

Some jockeys seem to get more out of a horse than others, so check to see if the jockey has had previous success with his ride.

Don’t just bet on the favourites

Horse racing is one of the most unpredictable sports. While some have far better pedigrees and appear to be in good form, racing does turn up surprises. This is especially true in jump racing, where one error can lead to a fall or the rider being unseated.

It might be something as simple as the horse simply having an off day.

Sometimes it is profitable to look at who is second favourite. In larger fields, think about not backing a winner, but betting on a horse to place. This means you get some winnings if the hose finishes in the top two to five places, depending on the number of runners. If your selection wins you generally make a nice profit, but even if it places you should at least get your money back.

Study tipsters at the big festivals

While race meetings happen every day of the year, it’s the big events like the Belmont Stakes or Epsom Derby where you might profit most.

That’s because you can read up on the advice from many professional tipsters who offer their services in the media. Keep a note of their favourite picks and you might see the same horse cropping up time and again. If so, you know you might be on to a winner.

The bookies are also prone to adding incentivising promotions during the big race meetings. Keep an eye out for offers of free bets – a great way to boost your profits and no risk.

Use betting exchanges

While mainstream sportsbooks are a good place to find odds on your chosen race, make sure you take a look at the betting exchanges, too. Often you will get better, more competitive odds at a betting exchange, where it’s the punters who offer the odds to each other.

If you have done your research, you can often take advantage of someone else’s lack of knowledge, and take a bet with great odds that you won’t find anywhere else.

Maintain good records

Keeping detailed records of your horse racing bets means you are always on top of what you are spending and how much you win or lose.

It allows you to employ proper bankroll management, betting only what you can afford. And it can also help you monitor particular horses, so that when they next race, you already have key stats to hand.