OSLO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Poker tables in illegal poker clubs in Norway show commercials for foreign gaming companies that are in risk of being prosecuted, newspaper Aftenposten reported Saturday.
In Norway, poker is regarded as one of the games with whole or partial random outcome and as such is forbidden without permission from the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority (Lotteritilsynet), the report said.
Poker is, however, allowed among smaller groups of friends where the value of money used in games does not exceed 1,000 kroner (122.57 U.S. dollars). Since 2015 Norway has arranged national championship in poker, Aftenposten wrote.
Norwegian law, however, does not allow any type of commercial promotion of lotteries and gaming on Norwegian market without permission from local authorities.
The logos of gaming companies from abroad cover the poker tables as well as playing card boxes in Norway's clubs, which can lead to legal prosecution, as well as financial and prison fines.
"Through tips we got information about cooperation or illegal promotion of foreign gaming companies in this type of clubs," Lotteritilsynet announced.
"Use of logos of foreign gaming companies is illegal in Norway, no matter what kind of agreement is behind it. Generally we can say that both so-called affiliates and the gaming companies can be responsible," said Monica Alisoy Kjelsnes, senior advisor in Lotteritilsynet.
Now they hope that together with police there will be opportunity to take measures against this illegal business, Aftenposten wrote.
One of the first moves that Lotteritilsynet can take is to ask gaming companies to stop the business that the authorities find illegal. Otherwise stricter measures can be taken, which also may include police report.
